Recent political and economic developments in the UK have shaped the landscape for professional vacancies in 2024. Following the recent election, renewed government policies have focused on boosting key industries such as technology, financial services, and green energy.
The UK biotechnology sector is undergoing significant change as 2024 ends, driven by increased corporate venture capital and private equity funding. This financial boost has spurred activity, with investments in startups and scaling initiatives creating new jobs despite lingering post-COVID challenges.
The UK job market for Risk and Compliance roles is undergoing a significant transformation, with the fintech sector leading the charge. Risk and compliance vacancies within the banks are projected to experience a 17% drop in 2024 as banks focus on stabilisation in response to shifting market conditions.
The Midlands’ job market in 2024 mirrors the broader economic challenges facing the UK. Sluggish GDP growth and persistent inflation are influencing employment trends. While investment in infrastructure projects like HS2 supports Real Estate & Construction, Brexit and global market instability continue to impact export-focused sectors.
In the North East, the industrial and Engineering sector leads workforce growth, with a 22.4% year-on-year increase in vacancies, reaching nearly 1,197. This surge reflects rising investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, essential drivers of regional economic stability and development.
The Swiss life sciences industry, despite a challenging dip in job vacancies in 2023 (down by 31.4%), shows a robust rebound in 2024, with vacancies projected to rise by 24.1%. R&D roles have been notably active, reflecting global trends and a renewed push in innovation.