Boomerang Effect: More UK Professionals are Returning to their Old Employers

MyPerfectCV’s Boomerang Effect 2025 Report reveals that returning to a former employer, once seen as unusual, is emerging as a notable pattern in the UK labour market. More than half of UK workers (56%) say they would be open to returning to a previous employer, creating a growing pool of experienced, high-value talent.

“While still relatively uncommon, the notion of going back to a former employer is gaining traction,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectCV. “This change in mindset should influence how companies view their longer-term relationships with employees.”

Key Findings

1. More UK Workers Are Open to Returning

• 56% of UK employees would consider returning to their most recent employer.
• A YouGov poll shows a similar pattern: 47% would consider returning to a previous role.
• Though steadily rising, actual return rates remain low— 2.23% of job movers in 2022 — indicating a large untapped talent pool.

2. What Defines a Boomerang Employee

A boomerang employee is someone who:

• Voluntarily leaves
• Works elsewhere
• Is rehired by their original employer

(Seasonal workers or those returning from leave are not included.)

3. Job-Change Regret Is Fueling the Trend

• After the Great Resignation, 72% of workers who changed jobs reported “surprise or regret” because the new role differed from expectations.
• This mismatch has contributed to the rise in workers reconsidering former employers.

4. Top Reasons Employees Return

Employees cite multiple “pull factors,” including:

• Familiarity with culture and colleagues
• Improved policies or flexibility
• New roles or advancement opportunities
• Missing the established sense of community

5. Returning Often Means Higher Pay

• Boomerang employees receive an average 25%–28% pay increase upon returning.
• By contrast, employees who stay typically receive 4% annual raises.

6. The Typical Boomerang Profile

Boomerang employees are more likely to:

• Be older and more experienced
• Return within 13 months of leaving
• Come back at higher seniority levels
• Be motivated by both pay and professional fit

7. Where Boomerang Hiring Is Most Common

Industries with the highest rates of returning employees:

• Retail: 33% of new hires
• Manufacturing: 25%
• Professional services: ~15% (e.g., EY alumni hires)
• Financial services: Among the highest overall

To view the full report, please visit https://www.myperfectcv.co.uk/blog/boomerang-effect-uk