UK Recruitment Glossary
Portfolio Career
In recruiter context
Increasingly common for senior professionals who want flexibility and multiple income streams, and for parents returning to work who don't want to commit to a single full-time role. UK tax treatment is complex — you may have multiple PAYE employments plus self-employment, requiring Self Assessment. The downside is benefits: no single employer offers full pension, holiday, or sick pay across the portfolio. The upside is resilience — losing one stream doesn't end your income, and the diversification often produces higher total earnings than any single role. Common portfolio splits: 3-day-a-week role + 1-day consulting; 2 part-time directorships + freelance; full-time + active side business.
Related terms
Outplacement
Employer-funded career support — CV help, interview coaching, search platforms — for employees being…
Four-Day Week
A working pattern where employees work 4 days for full-time pay, with the same output expected — dis…
Garden Leave
A period during your notice where the employer pays you but bars you from working.
Annual Leave / Holiday Entitlement
UK statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks paid leave per year — 28 days for full-time workers, including ban…