City AM: UK firms move more head office roles outside London amid soaring costs
UK companies are increasingly moving head office jobs outside of London, according to new data, amid rising living and housing costs in the capital.
UK companies are increasingly moving head office jobs outside of London, according to new data, amid rising living and housing costs in the capital.
There was a 5 % rise in insurance claims vacancies nationally compared with 2022, with recruitment volumes in 2024 remaining stable thus far. While claims handling remains the dominant skill, constituting 59% of the total, it recorded a decline, falling to 46%.
When examining recruitment activity in the capital, the signs are positive. Indeed, there has been a 24.6% increase in recruitment within Commerce & Industry in 2024 compared to the monthly average of 2023, with increases in retail, media, and technology. In contrast, regional activity has yet to experience such an upturn, with aggregate vacancies down by 5.4% so far this year and Commerce & Industry experiencing a 5.7% drop specifically.
UK businesses are relocating jobs outside of London due to rising living and housing costs. London-based executive management, HR, and marketing roles have decreased by 41%, while remote work opportunities have doubled.
Claims continue to grow, with recruitment within insurance firms persisting across all sectors. The escalating impact of climate change on the property sector is evidenced by a long-term increase in insurance claims payouts, surpassing those of a decade ago.