Northern England – UK Regional Labour Market Trends, October 2024
Northern England Faces Economic Shifts with Green Technology Potential
Key findings include:
- The Northern regions are expected to experience a 6.1% decline.
- In the North East, the Industrials/Engineering sector anticipates a substantial 22.4% YoY growth.
- In the North West, the Technology sector stands out as the most dynamic, with a 17.5% surge in vacancies.
- In Yorkshire and the Humber’s, Corporate Sales (B2B) leads in projected job opportunities – a 14.9% increase YoY.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
Northern England faces a critical juncture in its economic evolution, with stark contrasts in challenges and opportunities. The region’s anticipated 6.1% economic decline in 2024, against the UK’s 1.5% contraction, reflects its disproportionate struggles. Job vacancies further illustrate these challenges, with the North West leading at 32,487 but declining by 4.9%, while Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East experience similar downturns. Green technology offers a glimmer of hope, with cities like Manchester seeing increased investment in renewable energy. However, the success of such initiatives hinges on overcoming funding shortfalls and infrastructural constraints, emphasising the need for a unified strategy to transform these emerging industries into engines of regional growth. According to the latest UK Labour Market Trends report by APSCo and labour market data analytics firm Vacancysoft, this is true.
Industrials and Engineering Sector Drives Workforce Expansion
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 sales profession, particularly Corporate Sales (B2B), also contributes significantly with a forecasted 12% growth, adding 433 roles, highlighting the sector’s expanding influence. Meanwhile, the tech industry demonstrates consistent momentum. IT Management roles are expected to grow by 8.3%, increasing market share from 3.9% in 2023 to 4.4% in 2024, while IT Support roles show the strongest growth at 16.8%, adding 264 jobs. Together, these sectors present diverse opportunities amidst broader economic transformation.
Technology Sector Emerges as the Most Dynamic in 2024
The North West job market in 2024 presents a varied picture of growth and contraction across critical sectors. The Technology sector stands out as the most dynamic, with a 17.5% surge in vacancies, reflecting growing demand for tech skills. Meanwhile, the real estate and construction sector is also poised for significant growth, projecting a 13.7% increase in job openings and accounting for 19.3% of the regional market. Corporate Sales (B2B) is forecast to lead in job openings, with vacancies expected to reach 1,115 — an 8% year-on-year increase. While less vigorous, banking is anticipated to see a modest 8.4% rise, highlighting the sector’s steady recovery and contribution to the region’s economic landscape.
Yorkshire’s Job Market Corporate Sales Drives Growth
Yorkshire and the Humber’s 2024 job market reflects both growth and decline across key sectors. Corporate Sales (B2B) emerges as a leader, with projected vacancies reaching 1,115—a 14.9% year-on-year increase—highlighting sustained demand for commercial expertise as businesses prioritise expansion. This robust growth underlines the sector’s critical role in driving regional economic activity.
The Real Estate and Construction sector is another standout, with a forecasted 13.7% rise in vacancies, increasing its share to 19.3% of the regional job market. This growth is fuelled by development initiatives and ongoing demand for project management skills, positioning the sector as a significant contributor to job creation and economic stability in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Delve into UK recruitment trends analysis to gain insights that shape the market!
All data featured in this report is available in the Vacancy Analytics platform, which is updated in real-time and allows for interactive analysis, giving you the power to drill into trends to identify the key insights you need to power your business.
If you would like to book a workshop with us to analyse trends in your market, you can schedule one here.
