Between 2023 and 2024, professional vacancies in the Midlands fell 9.0%, outpacing the national decline of 1.5%, with the West Midlands seeing the sharpest drop. Economic pressures, including retail closures and a slowdown in investment, have driven this regional contraction.
Regional disparities in recruitment highlight increasing economic imbalances across the UK. In 2024, London was the only region to see YoY growth, boosting its share of total vacancies from 34.4% to 36.8%.
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 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.