As job applications rocket following waves of redundancies across the UK, new data from a UK leading HR specialist reveals what UK temporary workers expect when it comes to job application response times.
Gi Group surveyed more than 1,000 temporary job seekers on a range of questions about the job market and how they find and secure work, revealing a common theme across multiple generations.
As part of its new ‘always on’ State of the Nation survey, Gi Group has found that those working in logistics and warehousing expected timely communication within seven days. This data was further compounded by stats from the transport and storage sector which saw more than three quarters (78.3%) of candidates still expecting contact within a week – highlighting the importance of ‘The One-Week Rule.’
Driving a hard line when it comes to timely responses, across all sectors, 79% of 18-24-year-olds and 86% of 45-54-year-olds expect to hear from a recruiter or employer within a week of their application. This shows the value of timely, professional communication within the recruitment process across the board to both younger and older workers.
Managing Director for Gi Group UK & Ireland, Andy Carpenter, said listening to the findings of this survey would help employers, especially those in logistics and warehousing, to navigate some of the choppiest recruitment waters in living history. He said: “Our data shows there are abundant and strongly held pre-set expectations about what a job application response time from a professional company looks like amongst jobseekers today.
“The data is surprising as it shows that waiting 10 days to reply to an applicant doesn’t only delay the process, it also puts them off applying for roles with your business in the future. Contrary to assumptions, only 9% of 18–24-year-olds expect an immediate response, rising to over 14% for 45-54’s. Older generations are proving more impatient than their younger counterparts when it comes to job hunting.”
The UK Warehousing Association report there are 760,000 people working in warehousing in the UK, considerably more than originally known. Further to this, data from the Office for National Statistics shows jobs in the sector have risen by 40% since 2011. These figures highlight the important role the warehousing industry plays in producing jobs.
Andy added: "It is a tug-of-war challenge for recruiters who are managing expectations across multigenerational parameters. As a nation, we’re at a recruitment crossroads. While the labour market is being redefined by technological advancements and a widening skills gap, candidates remain focused on timely, human responses. Despite generational differences, a key element remains, speed impacts candidate quality. The best candidates, regardless of their age, are often off the market within days, rather than weeks. Delayed responses can damage employer brand, sometimes more than an instant rejection.
“In the digital world we’re navigating, reputation and responsiveness mean everything. Breaching professional courtesy can lead to catastrophic reputational outcomes, which is why clear, human-led communication and understanding throughout the hiring process is fundamental.”
From a regional perspective, Gi Group’s data found that 86% of candidates in the North of England expected contact within seven days, compared with 83% in the Midlands and 78% in the South of England.
Andy added: “Speed is now a competitive advantage in hiring but professionalism remains a non-negotiable element in what we do as experienced, skilled recruitment experts. In a fast-paced, tech driven society, ensuring clear, honest and realistic communication can not only build trust, but it can build loyalty. Recruitment isn’t really about age; it’s about trust and building professional relationships. When candidates are searching for a job, particularly in today’s landscape, feeling heard and respected can pay dividends for businesses down the line.”
Gi Group UK is headquartered in Chesterfield in the Midlands. Parented by Gi Group Holding, Gi Group UK employs close to 500 people in 2026 from 17 hub locations. Working across manufacturing, logistics, food and drink and many other sectors, Gi Group UK is uniquely committed to the creation of social and economic value for both employers and candidates alike. For more information about Gi Group in the UK, visit: uk.gigroup.com.
