The human resources job market across the United Kingdom is evolving, and it looks very different outside London. While the capital remains a hub for HR careers, regional markets have their own dynamics, challenges and opportunities. Understanding these differences is essential for HR professionals and businesses looking to attract and retain HR talent beyond the M25.

Salary expectations: narrowing gaps

One of the biggest misconceptions is that hiring HR leaders or HR Business Partners outside London will cost significantly less. In reality, the gap has narrowed. Since COVID, many professionals have relocated from London while keeping London-level expectations.

Sarah Emanuel, who covers the North, Midlands and Scotland, notes:

“Clients often assume they can hire senior HR talent for a fraction of London rates, but that’s no longer the case. Hybrid working means you can live in Birmingham or Edinburgh and still work for a London-based employer. Benchmarking salaries accurately is critical.”

For more information, you can download the 2026 Frazer Jones UK HR salary guide. It provides comprehensive salary benchmarking and insight into the HR job market, across all specialisms and UK regions.

Download the guide now

Mobility and lifestyle shifts

Senior HR professionals are increasingly choosing regional roles for lifestyle reasons: lower cost of living, more space and proximity to family. After 10 or 20 years in London, many HR leaders want a change.

Stephen Menko, from our Southwest team, explains:

“We’re seeing more senior candidates who’ve done their time in London and now want balance, whether that’s moving closer to ageing parents or simply improving quality of life.”

Companies that embrace flexibility and offer hybrid options are winning top talent, while those that insist on rigid structures risk losing out. Interim HR and fractional positions are also becoming mainstream, offering businesses agility and candidates more choice.

Sector-specific dynamics

Regional markets are not uniform. In the West Midlands, manufacturing and automotive sectors are under pressure, while professional services, tech and FMCG continue to grow in Manchester, Leeds and across the Midlands and Scotland. Financial services remain strong in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Sarah comments:

“Clients in Scotland and the North need HR leaders who can pivot across industries. Flexibility is key, especially when sectors like manufacturing face challenges while professional services, tech and FMCG continue to thrive. I’ve also worked with New York‑headquartered companies that have branches in the North, and they expect the same level of HR expertise regionally as they do in London.”

Specialist HR roles on the rise

Demand for specialist HR roles such as HRIS, reward, payroll and people analytics is increasing across the UK. Organisations need HR leaders who combine technical expertise with commercial judgement. Interim HR specialists are being used strategically to manage risk, lead change and implement complex initiatives.

The legal reset: employment law changes

The Employment Rights Act is the biggest shift in decades, and its impact is already being felt across England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland will follow a separate legislative path, so employers there should monitor local updates. Reduced qualifying periods, tighter dismissal rules and increased tribunal exposure mean organisations everywhere are hiring more cautiously.

Stephen adds:

“Employers are slowing down decision-making and investing more time upfront. Probation, performance management and manager capability are no longer ‘nice to haves’, they’re essential. This isn’t about being anti-hiring, it’s about hiring better.”

AI and HR: governance over novelty

Just as in London-based businesses, across the UK regions AI is no longer experimental. From recruitment process automation to HR analytics, AI is embedded in HR operations, but accountability is the new challenge.

Stephen observes:

“AI in HR isn’t about novelty anymore. The question isn’t ‘are you using it?’, it’s ‘are you using it responsibly?’ Governance and fairness matter as much as efficiency.”

Engagement risk behind low attrition

Retention metrics can look healthy, but some organisations are carrying disengagement and presenteeism. “Job-hugging” (staying put due to uncertainty rather than engagement) is real. HR teams will need to look beyond turnover numbers and focus on genuine engagement and organisational development.

What this means for employers

• Benchmark salaries carefully to avoid unrealistic expectations.
• Offer flexibility to attract HR talent beyond London.
• Look for agility: HR professionals who can move across sectors and adapt to evolving HR functions.
• Partner with recruitment consultancies that understand local markets and can provide accurate insights, salary guides and shortlists tailored to your business needs.

Frazer Jones combines global reach with local expertise to deliver high-quality recruitment solutions across the UK. Whether you need permanent recruitment, interim HR services or HR executive search for a CPO or a CHRO, we connect you with the right people for your business needs.

What this means for candidates

For HR professionals considering a move outside London, opportunities are growing, but so are expectations. Employers want HR leaders and HR Business Partners who can demonstrate flexibility, commercial awareness and a broad skillset. Experience in employee relations, talent acquisition and HR operations is highly valued, as is the ability to work across multiple HR functions.

Agility and flexibility across sectors are increasingly important in the UK HR job market. Candidates who can pivot between industries (such as moving from manufacturing to professional services or tech) will stand out in a market where sector dynamics can shift quickly. Those who embrace learning and development and can show success stories in organisational change will also have a competitive edge.

Interim HR roles and fractional positions offer additional career paths for those seeking variety and autonomy.

Need help navigating the regional HR market?

Frazer Jones combines local expertise with a global network to deliver high-quality HR recruitment solutions across the United Kingdom. Whether you’re hiring HR leaders in London, the Southeast, the Southwest, the Midlands, the North or Scotland, we have the insight and reach to connect you with the right people.

Ready to find your next HR professional and explore interim and permanent recruitment options? Get in touch with our team today.