WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH REMOTE WORKING NOW?

Posted on 10th February 2026

Remote working isn’t a simple yes/no dilemma anymore, it’s a spectrum being pulled in two directions at once. On one hand, candidates still actively seek remote and hybrid roles, and flexibility continues to influence talent attraction and retention. On the other hand, the supply of fully remote vacancies is undoubtedly shrinking, with many employers tightening ‘hybrid working’ into set office-day minimums, and a growing share of organisations are reasserting on-site expectations. Read on for the latest trends we’re seeing in remote working as part of hiring frameworks.

REMOTE WORKING CONTINUES TO THRIVE...

CANDIDATE SEARCH BEHAVIOUR IS STILL NEAR PEAK LEVELS

Indeed reports searches for remote or hybrid roles remain close to peaks (around 2.4% of all UK job searches). That continued “pull” means adverts that clearly state flexibility still earn attention from top talent.

HYBRID HAS SETTLED INTO A POST-PANDEMIC “NORM,” NOT A PERK

ONS data shows hybrid working remains widespread—around 28% of workers in Great Britain were hybrid working in early 2025. Many candidates now treat hybrid as part of the baseline package.

FLEXIBILITY STILL EXPANDS THE TALENT POOL

The CIPD reports hybrid working is still common (around 3 in 4 employers have some kind of provision) and notes employers cite attraction/retention and access to a broader talent among the advantages.

UK WORKING PATTERNS INDICATE HYBRID PREFERENCE IS ENDURING

Research highlighted by King’s College London found UK workers average about 1.8 work-from-home days per week—above the global average—suggesting hybrid is a stable working pattern for many roles.

THERE’S A STRONGER “RIGHT TO ASK”

Since April 2024, employees can request flexible working from day one, and employers must handle requests in a statutory framework. While this doesn’t force remote work during hiring, it has shifted culture.

BUT IS THE TREND STARTING TO DECLINE?...

FULLY REMOTE VACANCIES ARE FALLING SHARPLY

Adzuna’s market reporting indicates advertised remote roles dropped to 45,581 in December 2025—down 42% year-on-year and the lowest since early 2020. Put simply: even if demand is there, the supply is shrinking.

“HYBRID” IS STILL AVAILABLE—BUT THE TERMS ARE TIGHTENING

Indeed notes the share of postings mentioning remote/hybrid arrangements is still elevated (15.2% at end of October 2025), but more roles now specify minimum office attendance. More than half of hybrid job ads require at least two or three days per week on-site—up materially versus two years ago.

MORE EMPLOYERS ARE ACTIVELY PUSHING FOR FULL-TIME ON-SITE ATTENDANCE

The British Chambers of Commerce found that over two-fifths of businesses increased on-site requirements over the past year, with many sectors expecting fully on-site working.

EMPLOYERS ARE FEELING LESS PRESSURE TO “PAY FOR FLEXIBILITY”

Indeed’s UK hiring trends work shows some benefits in job ads have dipped year-on-year. When application volumes rise and vacancies fall, some employers test whether they can reduce flexibility and still hire.

REMOTE ACCESS IS UNEQUAL ACROSS ROLES

ONS analysis shows access to hybrid work is not evenly distributed; it is far more common in higher-paid, professional roles and less available in many lower-paid and customer-facing occupations.

UNSURE ON THE BEST REMOTE WORKING POLICY FOR YOUR HIRING STRATEGY?

Whether it’s clarity over your remote working policy for new hires or any other aspect of your wider hiring strategy, the expert team at Netbox Recruitment are ready to bring your staffing options into sharp focus. Get in touch with our team today and discover our ‘red-carpet’ recruitment service backed up by our renowned ‘Talent Guarantee’.