How are legal vacancies faring across the different sectors in England & Wales? What are the roles most in-demand? Which industries are experiencing uplifts? Which firms are the busiest?
Written by Vacancysoft, this report analyses the recruitment of professionals from different sectors within England & Wales. It observes the trends of the annual and monthly total, compares the busiest sectors, a breakdown of the most wanted roles, and the hiring activity of top firms.
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UK’s Legal Labour Market in 2022,
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South West – Regional Labour Market Trends
Professional hiring activity across the South East is expected to strengthen again in 2026, although growth is becoming increasingly concentrated around specific functions. Rather than expanding headcount broadly, many employers are prioritising digital capability, engineering delivery and revenue generation, while more cyclical sectors continue to soften.
Tax – UK Finance Market Labout Trends
The UK tax labour market is entering a correction phase after a sharp expansion in 2025. Vacancies rose by around 19% last year, but are now projected to decline by roughly 10% in 2026, pointing to stabilisation rather than contraction.
South West – Regional Labour Market Trends
Hiring conditions in the South West have improved at the start of 2026, though the pace remains controlled. Vacancies rose by 7.9% compared to the previous quarter, returning close to levels seen at the start of 2025. This suggests demand has stabilised, with employers resuming hiring where required rather than expanding broadly
