C&I – UK Legal Labour Market Trends, October 2025
Banking vacancies climb 11% with IT and operations driving growth
Key findings include:
- Commerce & Industry vacancies forecast to rise 9.2% year-on-year in 2025
- London leads rebound, posting 12% growth and highest market share in five years
- Technology now accounts for 19.1% of finance roles, up from 16.3%
- BAE Systems sees 24% increase in hiring as defence investment accelerates
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Investment revival and easing inflation drive sharp rise in finance vacancies
Britain’s Commerce and Industry sector is showing renewed signs of strength, with hiring set to increase for the first time in three years. Total vacancies are forecast to rise by 9.2% in 2025, marking the strongest expansion since before the pandemic. The rebound follows a period of muted growth, with lower inflation, interest-rate cuts and pro-business fiscal policies now helping to restore confidence among employers. London remains the engine of recovery, with vacancies in the capital projected to grow by 12%, underpinned by investment in infrastructure, digital transformation and housing. Across the board, employers appear to be reopening recruitment pipelines that had lain dormant during prolonged economic uncertainty.
London Holds the Lead, but Regional Cities Regain Pace
Hiring activity in the capital continues to dominate, with London’s share of national commerce and industry vacancies climbing to 37% — its highest level in five years. However, growth is by no means confined to the capital. Bristol has emerged as a standout performer, posting a 49.1% rise in vacancies, while Leeds, buoyed by continued investment in finance and risk functions, is up by 45.1%. Yorkshire and the South West are among the best-performing regions, both exceeding 20% year-on-year growth. Scotland, too, has returned to form, although a slowdown in Edinburgh has shifted momentum to Glasgow and Aberdeen. With hiring up 43.1%, Belfast continues its emergence as a nearshoring hub for multinational firms.
Tech Skills and Tax Expertise in Growing Demand
The composition of finance vacancies is evolving, with companies shifting focus towards strategic and technology-driven roles. Although retail and consumer goods still account for the largest share of hiring, their dominance is waning. Technology has moved firmly into second place, now responsible for 19.1% of all roles — up from 16.3% just two years ago. Tax is the fastest-growing specialism, rising 30.9% year-on-year as businesses respond to a more complex fiscal landscape. Management accounting remains the most sought-after function, accounting for nearly 40% of finance vacancies. Meanwhile, automation is gradually reducing demand for traditional financial reporting roles, particularly in financial control.
Firms Invest Selectively Amid Recovery
Hiring trends among major firms reveal a sharp contrast in strategy. BAE Systems continues to expand, posting a 24% rise in recruitment amid rising defence contracts. Network Rail has also returned to growth, with a 58% increase linked to new infrastructure investment. In retail, Boots has resumed hiring following a change in ownership, while Sainsbury’s continues to pare back operations. BT has cut recruitment by 35%, continuing a downsizing trend driven by automation. At EG Group, hiring has slowed following a surge in finance-related roles tied to its sale of Asda assets. While some firms are ramping up expansion, others remain focused on transformation and cost discipline.
iring markets in years, with reforms, regulation, and technology setting the agenda for 2025.
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