The 2025 Hays UK Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide surveyed employers and professionals across the insurance sector. According to the research, nearly three quarters (74%) of insurance employers plan on hiring staff over the next year, but organisations and professionals alike expect to grapple with several challenges in the upcoming months.

Skills shortages are ongoing

In today’s talent-short market, the skills gap continues to cause disruption for employers within the insurance sector, as 84% experienced skills shortages over the last year. Other key challenges organisations predict to face are the economic environment (61%), hiring the right talent (52%) and rising costs for businesses (45%).

Our research also reveals the importance of soft skills for insurance professionals to lead a fulfilling career. The most in-demand soft skills that insurance employers require are:

• Communication and interpersonal skills (46%)
• Ability to adopt change (41%)
• An ability to learn and upskill (31%)
• Flexibility and adaptability (30%)
• Coordinating well with others (23%)

Over three quarters (76%) of employers across the sector say they would be open to hiring an individual who does not possess all the required skills for a role with the intention of upskilling them. Professionals want their employer to invest in their training (59%), allow them time during working hours to complete training (53%) and to have time off to attend relevant conferences and talks (44%) to help hone their skillset.

Specialist areas seeing salary rises

Over the last year, 77% of insurance employers increased the salaries of their workforce. Salaries across the insurance industry increased by an average of 2.4% over the last year. Certain specialist areas received above average pay increases, including those working within claims (6.9%), audit, risk and compliance (3.7%) and underwriting (2.6%). However, almost a third of employees (31%) say they are not satisfied with their current salary.

Last year, close to a third (30%) of insurance employees moved roles, with 34% saying it was due to their salary being too low, 27% saying it was due to the lack of career progression offered in their former position and 22% saying it was due to a poor work-life balance. A further 36% say they have considered moving jobs.

Company culture key to talent attraction and retention

Hiring managers across the insurance industry believe the most important factor for attracting prospective employees is having an engaging and supportive team culture (72%). Other essential considerations include tailored flexible working practices (62%) and job security (60%).

Positively, insurance professionals and employers are on the same page when it comes to the factors that matter most, as employees cited the same three factors as the most important when considering a new position.

Considering more than half (58%) of those working in insurance plan to change jobs this year, an increase from 50% who said the same last year, employers need to acknowledge and respond to what professionals value most, in order to attract and retain the top talent in a tough market.

Earning Potential in Insurance
Business Function	Entry Level*	Senior roles*	Partner/Head*
Underwriting	£28,000	£125,000	£250,000
Claims	£28,000	£100,000	£150,000
Broking	£28,000	£125,000	£250,000
Risk and Compliance	£30,000	£90,000	£150,000
Projects, Change and Operations	£30,000	£110,000	£175,000
Actuarial	£40,000	£150,000	£210,000

*Salaries based on jobs across the UK. Source: Salary & Recruiting Trends 2025 | Digital Guide | Hays