This report explores labour market trends across the South of England in 2025, led by 8.5% growth in marketing roles and strong hiring in retail, consumer goods, and engineering. It highlights how leading employers such as Balfour Beatty and the University of Oxford are driving regional expansion through investment in infrastructure and innovation.
Professional vacancies in London are set to grow by 6% in 2025, reinforcing the capital’s role as the UK’s employment hub. IT, banking, and sales are the main drivers of demand, while the technology and consumer goods sectors see the fastest growth. Hiring strategies remain mixed, with firms like Capgemini and J.P. Morgan expanding, while others scale back.
Professional vacancies in the North East are set to rise by 9.2% in 2025, driven by growth in construction, engineering, and public sector hiring, as the region rebalances away from tech and finance.
Professional job vacancies in the South East are outpacing national trends in mid-2025, with strong growth driven by improved economic conditions and targeted investment.
Professional job vacancies in the South West rose in early 2025, driven by infrastructure investment and the Western Gateway initiative.
Britain’s fiscal policies in late 2024 reshaped regional labour markets, with sectors like real estate, property, and digital expanding, while IT and engineering saw declines. Regional disparities widened, with London thriving, while areas like the North West faced hiring challenges, particularly in the financial sector.
