This report explores labour market trends across the Midlands in 2025, with the East set for 11.4% vacancy growth while the West holds its position as the region’s main hiring hub. It highlights how retail, consumer goods and engineering are driving expansion, as employers prioritise roles tied to commercial recovery, operational delivery and long-term growth.
This report examines the widening engineering skills gap in UK telecoms as a retirement surge collides with limited talent pipelines, putting £22 billion in 5G and fibre projects at risk. It highlights growing regional disparities, rising vacancy pressures, and how employers are racing to reskill and retain talent to protect the UK’s digital future.
This report analyses how AI is driving one of the few areas of growth in the UK labour market, with IT and data hiring accelerating even as wider recruitment slows. It explores how major tech and banking firms are investing aggressively in AI capability, while retail and professional services rapidly follow suit — reshaping job roles, skill demands and the competitive landscape across the country.
With the Budget approaching, concerns are growing over how the Chancellor will address the widening fiscal gap and restore business confidence. Early IS-8 investment figures are strong, with major commitments in AI, defence and automotive, while further measures to revitalise Financial Services are expected. Wednesday’s announcements will be closely watched for their impact on growth, competitiveness and the wider economy.
The UK’s new Industrial Strategy (IS-8), launched in June 2025, commits over £86 billion to boost productivity, innovation and competitiveness across eight key sectors — from Clean Energy to Life Sciences. Early indicators show rising investment and job creation, particularly in AI, Energy and Defence, as the government accelerates efforts to drive industrial growth.
