Promotion

In recruiter context

The hard truth from 12 years recruiting: internal promotions in the UK typically come with 8-15% pay rises. External moves at the same level shift average 20-30%. That's the structural problem with staying loyal — you're rewarded slower than the market moves. Lateral promotions (broader scope, no pay change) are common and worth taking only if they unlock the next level. If you've been promised a promotion that hasn't materialised after two review cycles, start interviewing externally. The threat of you leaving often unlocks the title faster than the actual hard work did.