- Redundancies set to rise into 2026 as unemployment hits a four-year high
- Two-thirds of employees experience survivor syndrome after organisational change
- Nearly half of younger employees are considering a complete career change
Right Management is calling on UK employers to act now as new insights reveal a seismic shift ahead: almost the entire UK workforce will need upskilling by 2030 to remain employable. With redundancies set to increase into 2026 and two-thirds of employees reporting ‘survivor syndrome’ after organisational change, it’s a combination that threatens productivity and resilience if left unaddressed.
“Rising redundancies and the emotional toll of survivor syndrome show why career support can’t be an afterthought,” said Sarah Hernon, Principal Consultant, Right Management UK. “Organisations need to help those who remain as much as those who leave - building confidence, mobility and resilience through proactive upskilling. And with almost half of younger employees seeking reinvention rather than a traditional ladder, employers who offer flexible, personalised career pathways will not only retain talent but unlock new potential for growth.”
The need for proactive and human-centric career support
The report finds that 24% of organisations planned workforce reductions in 2025 and warns that redundancies will increase into 2026. When support is introduced late – only once restructures are underway – engagement and organisational ROI suffer. The future-ready approach is to be proactive and human-centred: equipping people with coaching, skills assessments, on-demand learning and internal pathways throughout their tenure so they can navigate change with confidence – whether they’re redeploying internally or transitioning out of the business.
That said, organisational change carries a significant emotional toll, not only for those exiting but also for those who remain. Two in three employees have experienced survivor syndrome since Covid-19 with productivity often declining post-restructure. Leaders must prioritise psychological safety and empathetic communication to maintain engagement and performance, creating space for people to be heard, understand the reasons for change and re-focus on future opportunities.
Long-term challenges that cannot be ignored
But focusing on any immediate disruption will only take organisations so far. The long-term challenge is clear: up to 43 million UK employees will need upskilling by 2030, and yet 11 million are relying on non-traditional learning pathways to drive their professional development because of sub-par offerings from their employers. This is not just about incremental improvement, it is about transformation. Skills are becoming the new currency and organisations that fail to invest in their people risk losing their competitive edge. The report urges employers to embed ongoing career development as a strategic enabler of retention, mobility and capability – building through data-driven assessments, personalised learning and coaching, all deployed well before change takes place.
And on top of this, almost half of younger employees (45%) say they want a complete career change. This signals a generational shift in expectations and ambition: younger employees are not just looking for progression, they are looking for reinvention. Employers who provide the tools, support and flexibility to help them reskill and pivot will not only retain talent but unlock potential for growth. The time for generic outplacement is over. Career support must be personalised, future-focused and designed to empower individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Hernon continues: “Change can feel overwhelming, but it also opens doors to new possibilities. By 2030, almost everyone will need to upskill to stay employable. Employers who invest in learning now aren’t just safeguarding their future - they’re giving their people the confidence and tools to thrive through uncertainty.”
For employees the message is clear: change is coming and those who embrace learning and adaptability will be best placed to succeed. Taking ownership of your career, seeking out development opportunities and building transferable skills will help you stay competitive and confident in a market where agility is everything.
To find out more, download the report today.
