Best Free Job Posting Sites UK Employers Should Use in 2025
Finding the right talent is crucial for business success, yet recruiting in the UK can be expensive—especially for small businesses and startups trying to compete in cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham where salaries and costs continue to rise in 2025. Fortunately, there are excellent free job posting sites UK employers can use to connect with skilled candidates without straining their recruitment budgets.
This guide reveals the best free job boards, their features, and tips for employers looking to attract top talent across various industries, from hospitality and healthcare to tech and finance.
Why UK Employers Should Use Free Job Posting Sites in 2025
The UK job market remains highly competitive, with salaries for in-demand roles reaching impressive levels in 2025. For instance, tech developers in London now command average salaries between £55,000 and £75,000, while healthcare professionals like registered nurses can earn upwards of £38,000 annually.
High wages mean recruitment costs add up fast. Posting jobs on paid platforms like LinkedIn or premium listings on Indeed can run anywhere from £150 to £500 per vacancy, making free job boards an attractive alternative for employers looking to save money while still attracting quality candidates.
Benefits of Using Free Job Posting Sites UK Employers Should Know
Choosing the best free job posting sites in the UK offers several advantages:
- Cost Savings: Keep your hiring budget in check without compromising reach.
- Broad Audience: Many free platforms attract thousands of daily job seekers.
- Industry-Specific Boards: Some sites target niche markets, ensuring better candidate quality.
- Ease of Use: Free job boards often have simple, user-friendly interfaces.
- SEO Benefits: Posting on reputable sites can improve your job visibility on search engines.
Key Features to Look for in Free Job Posting Sites
Not all free job boards offer the same value. UK employers should look for:
- High Monthly Traffic: The more visitors a platform attracts, the more views your job ad receives.
- Filtering Tools: Ability to screen candidates by location, skills, or experience.
- Mobile Compatibility: Many job seekers now search on smartphones.
- Easy Application Process: Simplified applications encourage more responses.
- Support for Remote Roles: With remote work on the rise in 2025, some platforms highlight flexible opportunities.
Best Free Job Posting Sites UK Employers Should Use in 2025
Here’s a look at some top-performing free platforms UK businesses are using this year:
1. Indeed Free Listings
- Traffic: Over 20 million monthly UK visitors
- Perks: Free basic postings, resume database access
- Best For: Wide range of industries, from hospitality to IT
While Indeed offers paid options, their free tier is highly effective for employers willing to rely on organic reach.
2. GOV.UK Find a Job
- Official Government Platform
- Perks: Completely free, trusted by employers and job seekers alike
- Best For: Small businesses, entry-level, and public sector roles
Perfect for reaching candidates looking for legitimate, verified jobs.
3. Totaljobs Free Trial
- Free Trial: Occasionally offers free listings for new business accounts
- Perks: Large audience, advanced filtering
- Best For: Professional roles in finance, engineering, healthcare
Note: After trial periods, paid plans apply.
4. LinkedIn Basic Post
- Reach: Millions of UK professionals
- Perks: Free single job posts with limited visibility
- Best For: Professional and managerial positions
Ideal for reaching passive candidates in sectors like finance, law, or tech.
5. Glassdoor Free Employer Account
- Perks: Post jobs and manage employer branding
- Best For: Companies wanting to enhance reputation alongside hiring
Glassdoor is especially effective for attracting professionals in luxury industries, where employer reputation matters.
6. Reed Free Listings (Promotional Periods)
- Occasional Free Promotions
- Perks: Trusted UK brand, good exposure
- Best For: Administrative, retail, and healthcare jobs
Reed periodically runs promotions allowing free job posts for limited periods.
7. Adzuna Free Trial
- Trial Listings: Limited free posts for new customers
- Best For: Employers testing the waters before committing to paid plans
Adzuna has high traffic and strong SEO presence in the UK market.
Tips to Succeed with Free Job Posting Sites in the UK
Even on free platforms, how you present your job ad matters. Here’s how to maximize results:
- Craft Strong Titles: Use clear, keyword-rich titles like “London Nursing Jobs Hiring Now” instead of vague listings.
- Highlight Benefits: Include salary ranges, perks like remote work, or attractive office locations in cities such as London’s Canary Wharf or Manchester’s MediaCity.
- Keep Listings Concise: Busy candidates appreciate short, direct ads.
- Respond Quickly: Engage applicants fast to avoid losing them to competitors.
- Promote Diversity: Inclusive language helps attract a wider talent pool.
Free vs Paid Job Posting in the UK: What to Consider
Free job boards are a fantastic option, especially for startups and SMEs. However, larger firms or those hiring for hard-to-fill roles might combine free listings with paid ads for greater visibility and faster results. For instance:
- Premium Listings on Indeed: Often range from £150 to £500 depending on the visibility and duration.
- LinkedIn Sponsored Jobs: Can exceed £300 per listing but reach highly targeted professionals.
It’s all about balancing cost with the urgency and difficulty of your hiring needs.
The Future of Free Job Posting Sites in the UK
Several trends are shaping how UK employers approach recruitment in 2025:
- AI Screening Tools: Many free platforms now integrate AI tools to screen resumes and match applicants.
- Remote Work Listings: Platforms increasingly highlight remote and hybrid opportunities.
- Candidate Experience: Free sites are focusing on better user interfaces to keep top talent engaged.
With rising hiring costs and continued economic uncertainty, free job boards remain a crucial tool for employers across the UK.
Job Posting Sites UK
Finding talented employees doesn’t have to drain your recruitment budget. The best free job posting sites UK employers are using in 2025 offer excellent reach, user-friendly features, and the ability to attract quality candidates—even in highly competitive markets like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Start exploring these free resources today and position your business for hiring success in the year ahead. Want more insights? Check out our other guides on recruitment strategies, salary trends, and building a winning employer brand in the UK.
