Exploring the systemic barriers returners face and offering solutions to build a more inclusive STEM sector.
2025 findings at a glance
This 2025 STEM Returners Index has provided valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and progress faced by returners re-entering the workforce. The 2025 data highlights key trends, including the growing impact of supportive programmes, shifts in job application strategies, and the persistent barriers many returners still encounter.
Below are the key takeaways from this year’s research.
85% of respondents said the challenges of returning made them question whether to continue pursuing a career in STEM.
65% of respondents agreed that the barriers/ challenges encountered in their return-to-work journey had a negative impact on their self-confidence
64% of professionals told us they felt fully capable within three months of their return to employment
49% of those attempting to return are female (42% in 2024), 51% male, and 48% are from minority ethnic backgrounds (vs. 40% in 2024).
Number of respondents identified as on a ‘career break and attempting to return to work’ rose to 76%, from 59% in 2024
A rise in respondents holding advanced degrees. 82% of respondents in 2025 held a Bachelor’s degree or higher, compared with 75% in 2024.
Caring responsibilities, health, redundancy, and relocation continue to be the dominant reasons for career breaks.
Financial reasons remain the strongest motivator to return. In 2025, 55% of respondents cited finances as a key driver, up from 49% in 2024.
26% of returners applied for more than 70 jobs, rising from 21% in 2024.
58% of returners cited ‘never’ or ‘hardly at all’ in response to receiving feedback on their applications
Age remains one of the most commonly reported perceived sources of bias. In 2025, 41% of respondents reported experiencing age bias, up from 36% in 2024
In 2025, 75% of respondents said they were finding the return-to-work process ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ (39% and 36% respectively) vs. a collective 65% in 2024
Movement from STEM employment pre-career break to non-STEM employment following their return has risen to 16%, up from 9% last year.
Most respondents cited ‘Supported Returner Programmes’ as the route that successfully got them back into employment (23%).
Read and download our full STEM Returners Index 2025 here
Have questions about our index?
If you’d like to learn more about the STEM Returners Index or have any specific queries, please feel free to contact us via the link below and one of our team will be in touch.
