UK Recruitment Glossary
Hybrid Working
In recruiter context
The dominant UK pattern post-2022. Common splits are 3-2 (three office, two home) and 2-3, with senior roles often more flexible than junior. Since 2024, I've watched a clear retreat from generous hybrid towards stricter office mandates — particularly in financial services, consulting, and big tech. The 3-day-minimum office mandate is now standard at many employers. "Fully hybrid" or "flexible hybrid" in a job ad in 2026 means something different from what it meant in 2022, so always ask the recruiter to define it on the screening call.
Related terms
Paternity Leave
UK statutory paid leave for partners around birth or adoption — currently 2 weeks at Statutory Pater…
Bonus
Extra pay on top of your base salary, either contractual (you should expect it) or discretionary (th…
TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings)
UK regulation that protects employees when their job is transferred to a new employer (e.g. outsourc…
Cold Application
Applying to a job without any prior contact, referral, or recruiter conversation.