Wellington market insights
Takeaways from people2people's 2025 Report
Wellington market breakdown
Key trends and insights
Wellington’s employment market in 2026 reflects a cautious and measured hiring environment, where stability remains important but confidence is still restrained. While workforce movement continues, much of the activity is being shaped by replacement hiring rather than broad expansion, reinforcing the more deliberate pace of the capital’s market. Employers are staying selective, focusing on essential capability and long-term fit, while candidates remain attentive to the practical realities of salary, benefits, career progression, and workplace quality.
The overall tone of Wellington’s market is one of discipline rather than momentum. Hiring is still taking place, but it is more cautious, more targeted, and grounded in operational need rather than aggressive growth. Overall, Wellington in 2026 feels steady but constrained — a market where employers must be thoughtful, competitive, and realistic about what skilled professionals now expect.
2025 Wellington Labour Market
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
70.5%
National Participation Rate
National Inflation Rate
6%
Annual National Job Ad Change
57%
Job Seeker Confidence Index
46%
Hiring Confidence Index
Wellington job seeker sentiment
How engaged are people in today's job market?
In Wellington, job seekers in 2026 are showing a strong preference for stability and purpose-led work. Many are seeking roles that allow them to make a tangible impact, which continues to draw talent towards the public sector and socially responsible employers. Flexibility remains a key priority, with hybrid arrangements now viewed as a baseline expectation rather than a perk.
Candidates are also displaying a measured approach to career moves — rather than chasing rapid advancement, they’re looking for organisations that offer meaningful work, professional development, and a supportive culture. This shift reflects a broader sentiment across the capital: people want to feel connected to their work and confident in their employer’s long-term direction.
36%
Active job seekers
62%
Passive job seekers
14%
Hesitant job seekers
27%
Inactive job seekers
Employment trends shaping Wellington labour market in 2025
What key factors are driving talent retention in 2025?
Talent retention remains a key priority in today’s competitive job market. As workforce dynamics evolve, understanding what matters most to employees is essential. Focusing on factors such as career growth, management support, and work-life balance helps employers strengthen engagement and build lasting loyalty.
Why are you losing your staff in 2025?
Employee retention and resignation remain key challenges in today’s evolving workforce. Understanding why people leave and how to keep them engaged is essential for long-term success. As priorities shift toward career growth, culture, and leadership, businesses must adapt their strategies to retain talent. What’s driving resignations in 2025, and how can organisations better support and sustain their people?
What's the impact of forcing a return to the office?
As return-to-office mandates rise, businesses are increasingly concerned about their impact on morale, productivity, and retention. With flexibility now an expectation, finding the right balance between in-person collaboration and remote autonomy is vital. The challenge lies in making office returns work for both people and performance.
2025 Employment & Salary Report
Stay ahead of your market across the UK
Take a closer look at what’s driving hiring in your industry, from shifting employer priorities to the roles most in demand. This comprehensive report reveals the key trends shaping recruitment and workforce strategy this year, providing your business with a competitive edge in today’s uncertain labour market.
- Benchmark your company's attraction and retention strategies
- Find out what job seekers are looking for in 2025
- Identify emerging and current hiring and salary trends
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