The life sciences industry is a cornerstone of the UK’s economy and healthcare system, playing a pivotal role in improving health outcomes and driving economic growth.
This sector encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics, all of which contribute to the development of innovative treatments and technologies that enhance our quality of life.
Since 2006, Cpl Life Sciences have been delivering staffing solutions and market insight into thousands of Life Science companies globally – and can offer clear insights into the staffing market with market leading data and our experiences. For the first time, we will be offering a 2nd Edition of our Salary Survey at the half year mark as we endeavour to support our partners through what we expect to be a dynamic market as global and local transformations accelerate, be it geopolitical, regulatory, the rise of AI and the vast changes in the ways of working since COVID-19 changed the landscape of working globally.
2024 was a challenging year for hiring in Life Sciences. A difficult funding environment beginning in 2023 continued, resulting in further cuts and a focus on retaining existing talent. Rapid technological advancements highlighted skill shortages, recruitment processes struggled against both candidate and client expectations and the importance of a positive “candidate experience” has become even more important. We did however see some positive moves, including a 23% year on year increase in job vacancies in biotech, with a more modest growth in big pharma (5.6%) and a slight decline in CRO (4.3%).
We have a positive outlook however for 2025, domestically the UK Goverments LSIMF will secure up to £520m in capital grants for investment in manufacturing for drugs and medical technologies, and studies with Deloitte shows 75% of global life science executives are optimistic about the year ahead. It will be shaped by trends and challenges in technological integration, flexible working arrangements, skills transferability, DEI and the battle in employer branding. The rush towards AI in recruitment itself is gathering pace – and is an amazing tool that should be utilised. However, nothing yet comes close to partnering with knowledgeable, experienced recruiters who can provide the human touch.
Life Sciences and Recruitment is and always will be about people, and how we can work together for a better and healthier future for everyone – and Cpl Life Sciences can support you every step of the way.
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Drew Jones - Operations Director