South West – UK Regional Labour Market Trends, April 2025
Regional Investment Drives Professional Vacancy Growth in South West
Key findings include:
- South West vacancies rise 4.8% year-on-year.
- Operational and commercial roles lead demand growth.
- Industrials and retail show strongest sector increases.
- AECOM and AtkinsRéalis top regional hiring forecasts.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
Professional vacancies rise in the South West amid regional infrastructure gains
Professional hiring in the South West began 2025 on a positive note, underpinned by the “Western Gateway” partnership and increased investment via the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund. These initiatives are reshaping the region’s economic profile through targeted infrastructure development across transport and energy. Professional vacancies in Q1 2025 reached 6,852—a quarterly increase of 18.8%, and a 4.8% rise year-on-year. Despite trailing Q1 2024’s figure of 7,108, the data indicates renewed employer confidence, particularly in March when listings surged 19.3% month-on-month. Looking ahead, the South West is forecast to post 27,408 professional vacancies by year-end. While national figures continue to be led by London and the North West, the South West’s performance reflects the early benefits of decentralised fiscal attention and signals a growing role in the UK’s strategic economic recovery.
Demand shifts toward management and future-resilient skills
The labour market in 2025 is increasingly defined by specialised and strategic roles. In the South West, demand for Operational Management professionals is expected to rise sharply by 88.9% to 748 roles—reflecting increased focus on oversight during organisational transformation. Business Development roles, now comprising 47.5% of the Sales category, are projected to grow 18.5%, indicating continued prioritisation of commercial expansion over retention. Software Engineering remains strong with 472 anticipated vacancies, while Financial Management hiring is set to climb 71.6% to 460 positions. In contrast, Account Management and Inside Sales roles are projected to remain stable, suggesting limited emphasis on internal sales strategies. The regional labour market is clearly moving toward roles that enable agility, innovation, and long-term competitiveness in a post-pandemic and digitally driven economy.
Industrial growth outpaces traditional sectors in 2025
Industry performance in the South West this year is led by the Industrials sector, forecast to grow 49.7% to 3,504 roles, reflecting expansion in manufacturing and clean energy. Engineering is also projected to grow by 14.8%, reaching 4,032 roles. The Retail and Consumer Goods sector is set for the largest proportional increase at 29.9%, indicating rising demand linked to regional consumption. Conversely, Real Estate and Construction, while still the largest sector by volume, is expected to decline by 3.9% to 5,464 vacancies. Financial Services is forecast to drop 9.7%, likely due to consolidation and rising capital costs. Meanwhile, the Public Sector and Not-for-Profit space is expected to grow by 12.9%, suggesting renewed public investment. The industry mix suggests a regional pivot toward production, resilience, and socially grounded growth.
Top firms reflect regional strength in infrastructure and technology
Hiring patterns among leading firms in 2025 reflect the South West’s realignment toward infrastructure and digital enablement. AECOM Corporation leads with 816 projected vacancies—a 15.7% increase—driven by ongoing infrastructure demand. AtkinsRéalis shows one of the strongest growth rates at 68.3%, aligned with gains in engineering consultancy and public contracts. In telecoms, 4Com is expected to grow hiring by 48.1%, pointing to regional broadband expansion. By contrast, Kier Group is forecast to reduce hiring by 37%, reflecting capital constraints and delayed projects. JP Morgan is projected to post a 14.9% increase, reflecting cautious expansion in financial services. Hiring activity across mid-tier and specialist firms further highlights the region’s evolving growth story—decentralised, opportunity-driven, and increasingly tied to national regeneration priorities.
Get the full report to uncover where hiring demand is rising, which sectors are shifting, and how you can stay ahead of client needs.
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.
