April might bring sunshine, daffodils, and easter eggs…
But in 2025, it’s also delivered another wave of financial pressure for employers across the UK. With the National Minimum Wage now at £12.21 and Employer National Insurance contributions increasing again, businesses are understandably asking:
– Can we still afford to grow?
– Do we need to restructure or reduce headcount?
– Is now even the right time to hire?
The short answer, it depends. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
April 2025 Changes & What They Mean For You
From April 1st 2025:
– The National Minimum Wage rose to £12.21 per hour
– Employer NI contributions increased alongside rising inflation
– Operational costs across sectors like manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and production are being squeezed.
These changes don’t just impact payroll, they affect your whole recruitment strategy.
Why Hiring Right Matters More Than Ever
Right now, every hire counts. The cost of making the wrong hire, especially in a time of increased employer contributions, is no longer just frustrating. It’s financially damaging.
- Wasted time
- Lower productivity
- High Turnover
- Training Costs
- And worst of all – starting over
This is the moment to hire smarter, not just faster.
How Oliver Rae Can Help
We understand that recruitment isn’t just about placing people. It’s about solving business problems, keeping you compliant, and helping you navigate change with confidence. We specialise in building recruitment strategies for businesses like yours, ones that support your operations without draining your bottom line.
Here’s how we help you through the April changes:
- Fully PAYE-compliant Staffing – No umbrella schemes. No grey areas. Just honest, transparent recruitment.
- Flexible, Cost-Effective Workforce Solutions – Whether you’re scaling back or scaling up, we’ll tailor a plan that works for your budget and your goals.
- Retention-Focused Recruitment – We find people who not only fit the role, but fit your business, reducing the risk of turnover.
- Support with Restructures – If you need to rethink your structure or team setup, we’ll help you do it smoothly and compliantly.
Good Businesses Deserve Good People
It’s easy to panic in the face of rising costs. But the businesses that thrive are the ones that adapt. This might not feel like the time to invest in recruitment, but investing in the right recruitment is exactly what will help you steady the ship. Because when you’ve got the right people behind you, your business can weather anything.
And as we like to say… Good eggs deserve good people.
Let’s Chat!
If the April 2025 changes are making you rethink your recruitment plans, we’re here to support you, with honest advice, smart solutions, and a people-first approach that puts your business at the heart of everything we do.
Book a no-pressure chat with the team at Oliver Rae today > Book Here!
