More than half of workers in the UK (63%) are confident in their job prospects for the next six months, according to Robert Half’s latest Jobs Confidence Index (JCI) – an economic confidence tracker produced in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).

Further findings from Robert Half also indicated a reversal in remuneration growth potential. According to its 2025 Salary Guide, 70% of workers find it more challenging to negotiate a pay rise than last year. At the same time, employees feel they deserve an increase, whether that’s due to the growing costs of living (39%), because they expect it every year (29%) or due to exceeding performance goals (25%).

Employers are also apparently less willing to add to employment costs, focusing instead on improving productivity. The data showed that 44% of businesses plan to implement automation and digital transformation to enhance productivity, while 40% are optimising workflow management.

According to Robert Half, with increases to National Insurance Contributions (NICs) also adding to financial pressures, it is less likely workers will get the pay rise they want in the new year.

Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland at Robert Half, said in a press release, “Workers have seen high wage growth in response to the cost-of-living crisis, which has led to a level of expectation among employees of continued pay rises. The reality, though, is that many firms simply can’t sustain this, particularly with NICs set to increase.”