Whose Hiring? Current Job Market Trends in the UK: August 2024

As of August 2024, the UK job market is experiencing notable trends across various sectors, driven by both economic conditions and evolving industry demands. Here’s a detailed overview of the industries hiring the most and the types of jobs they are looking to fill.

1. Technology and IT

The tech sector continues to boom, particularly in roles related to AI and software development. There is a significant demand for professionals skilled in generative AI, with roles such as prompt engineers and AI integration specialists seeing rapid growth. Companies are also looking for software developers, cybersecurity experts, and data scientists as they adapt to the increasing importance of digital transformation.

Technology and IT: Key Job Roles in Demand

1. Prompt Engineers

Role Involvement: A Prompt Engineer designs and optimises prompts for generative AI models to ensure they produce accurate and relevant outputs. This role involves understanding the AI’s capabilities, experimenting with different prompts, and refining them based on results.

Skills Required:

• Proficiency in AI and machine learning concepts
• Strong programming skills in languages like Python
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Familiarity with natural language processing (NLP) techniques

Salary:

• Average salary: £70,000 – £100,000 per year, depending on experience and company location​.

2. AI Integration Specialists

Role Involvement: An AI Integration Specialist is responsible for integrating AI solutions into existing business processes. This includes assessing business needs, customising AI tools, and ensuring seamless integration with other systems.

Skills Required:

• Extensive knowledge of AI and machine learning
• Experience with software integration and APIs
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Salary:

• Average salary: £60,000 – £90,000 per year​.

3. Software Developers

Role Involvement: Software Developers design, code, test, and maintain software applications. They work on a variety of projects, from developing mobile apps to creating complex systems for businesses.

Skills Required:

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python
• Knowledge of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum)
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a team environment

Salary:

• Average salary: £50,000 – £80,000 per year​ (Office for National Statistics).

4. Cybersecurity Experts

Role Involvement: Cybersecurity Experts protect an organisation’s systems and data from cyber threats. Their responsibilities include risk assessment, implementing security measures, monitoring networks for breaches, and responding to security incidents.

Skills Required:

• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles and technologies
• Experience with security tools and software (firewalls, intrusion detection systems)
• Strong analytical skills
• Up-to-date knowledge of current cyber threats and vulnerabilities

Salary:

• Average salary: £60,000 – £90,000 per year​.

5. Data Scientists

Role Involvement: Data Scientists analyse and interpret complex data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data visualisation techniques to extract insights from data.

Skills Required:

• Proficiency in statistical analysis and machine learning
• Experience with data analysis tools like R or Python
• Strong mathematical skills
• Ability to interpret and communicate findings to stakeholders

Salary:

• Average salary: £55,000 – £85,000 per year​.

These roles reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of the tech industry in the UK, highlighting the importance of advanced technical skills, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

2. Healthcare

Healthcare remains a critical area with a high demand for professionals. This includes roles such as nurses, doctors, care workers, and allied health professionals. The pandemic has left lasting impacts on the healthcare system, leading to a continuous need for qualified staff to manage the increased patient load and ongoing public health challenges.

Healthcare: Key Job Roles in Demand

1. Nurses

Role Involvement: Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor patient health, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centres.

Skills Required:

• Registered Nurse (RN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Compassion and patience

Salary:

• Average salary: £25,000 – £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location​.

2. Doctors

Role Involvement: Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide medical advice to patients. They may specialize in areas such as general practice, surgery, paediatrics, or psychiatry.

Skills Required:

• Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) and relevant specialization
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good communication and empathy

Salary:

• Average salary: £60,000 – £100,000 per year, depending on specialization and experience​ (Office for National Statistics).

3. Care Workers

Role Involvement: Care Workers support individuals with daily living activities, provide personal care, assist with mobility, and offer emotional support. They work in residential care homes, clients’ homes, and community settings.

Skills Required:

• Basic healthcare training or NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care
• Patience and empathy
• Good communication skills
• Ability to handle physical demands of the job

Salary:

• Average salary: £18,000 – £25,000 per year​.

4. Allied Health Professional (AHP)

Role Involvement: AHPs include roles such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, and dietitians. They provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and support services to help patients recover and maintain their health.

Skills Required:

• Relevant degree or certification in the specific allied health field
• Strong technical and clinical skills
• Good communication and teamwork abilities
• Empathy and patient-focused approach

Salary:

• Average salary: £30,000 – £50,000 per year, depending on the specific role and experience​.

5. Public Health Professionals

Role Involvement: Public Health Professionals work on health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy development. They analyse health data, develop public health programs, and educate communities on health issues.

Skills Required:

• Degree in public health or related field
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Knowledge of health policies and programs
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills

Salary:

• Average salary: £35,000 – £55,000 per year​.

These roles are essential to maintaining and improving public health, especially in the post-pandemic era. The demand for healthcare professionals remains high, reflecting the ongoing challenges and needs within the UK’s healthcare system.

3. Retail and Hospitality

Despite facing challenges, the retail and hospitality sectors are hiring actively, particularly in response to post-Brexit labour shortages. These industries are looking for retail assistants, store managers, chefs, and hospitality staff. The easing of pandemic restrictions and the rebound of the tourism industry are contributing factors to this hiring surge.

Retail and Hospitality: Key Job Roles in Demand

1. Retail Assistants

Role Involvement: Retail Assistants help customers with their purchases, provide product information, handle transactions, and maintain the cleanliness and organization of the store. They play a crucial role in ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers.

Skills Required:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Basic math and cash handling abilities
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Salary:

• Average salary: £16,000 – £22,000 per year​ (Hays UK).

Why in Demand: Retail assistants are essential for the smooth operation of stores, especially with the increase in consumer spending post-pandemic. The resurgence in in-person shopping and the need for enhanced customer service to compete with online retailers drive the demand for these roles​.

2. Store Managers

Role Involvement: Store Managers oversee the daily operations of a retail store. Their responsibilities include managing staff, monitoring inventory, ensuring customer satisfaction, and meeting sales targets.

Skills Required:

• Strong leadership and management skills
• Experience in retail management
• Good organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to analyze sales data and trends

Salary:

• Average salary: £28,000 – £45,000 per year​.

Why in Demand: Store managers are crucial for navigating the complexities of the current retail environment. With supply chain challenges and changing consumer behaviours, experienced managers are needed to ensure stores run efficiently and profitably​.

3. Chefs

Role Involvement: Chefs prepare and cook meals in restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments. They develop menus, manage kitchen staff, and ensure food quality and safety standards are met.

Skills Required:

• Culinary training or experience
• Creativity and attention to detail
• Strong time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure

Salary:

• Average salary: £22,000 – £40,000 per year, depending on experience and establishment​.

Why in Demand: The hospitality sector is bouncing back as people return to dining out post-pandemic. Chefs are in high demand to cater to the increased footfall in restaurants and hotels, coupled with a shortage of skilled culinary professionals due to Brexit and the pandemic​.

4. Hospitality Staff (Waitstaff)

Role Involvement: Hospitality staff, including waitstaff, are responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages, and providing excellent customer service. They ensure that guests have a pleasant dining experience.

Skills Required:

• Strong customer service skills
• Good communication and interpersonal abilities
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Ability to work in a team

Salary:

• Average salary: £18,000 – £24,000 per year, with potential for tips​.

Why in Demand: The easing of lockdowns and travel restrictions has led to a surge in tourism and dining out, creating high demand for waitstaff. The sector also faces challenges in hiring due to fewer available workers post-Brexit​.

5. Hotel Receptionists

Role Involvement: Hotel Receptionists greet guests, manage reservations, handle check-ins and check-outs, and address any guest inquiries or issues. They play a key role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Skills Required:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Proficiency in hotel management software
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

Salary:

• Average salary: £18,000 – £25,000 per year​.

Why in Demand: The hospitality industry is experiencing a rebound with increased travel and tourism. Hotel receptionists are crucial for ensuring a smooth guest experience, making them highly sought after in the current market​.

Industry Challenges and Trends

• Labour Shortages: Post-Brexit immigration rules have made it difficult to fill roles traditionally occupied by EU workers, leading to labour shortages in these sectors.
• Pandemic Recovery: The easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the rebound of the tourism industry have driven a surge in demand for retail and hospitality staff.
• Customer Expectations: There is an increased focus on providing excellent customer service to attract and retain customers in a competitive market.
• Flexibility and Adaptation: Employers in these sectors are increasingly offering flexible working hours and other benefits to attract talent in a tight labour market.

These roles are essential for the smooth operation and success of the retail and hospitality industries, which are key contributors to the UK’s economy.

4. Professional Services

There is a robust demand in the professional services sector, particularly for roles in legal, accounting, and consulting. The need for skilled professionals in finance and business advisory services remains high as companies navigate the complexities of a recovering economy.

Professional Services: Key Job Roles in Demand

1. Legal Advisors

Role Involvement: Legal Advisors provide counsel on a range of legal issues, ensuring that companies operate within the law. This includes contract review, compliance, and litigation support.

Skills Required:

• Law degree and relevant legal qualifications
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
• Attention to detail and ethical judgment

Salary:

• Average salary: £50,000 – £100,000 per year, depending on experience and specialisation​ (Hays UK).

Why in Demand: The recovering economy has led to an increase in corporate activities, mergers, and acquisitions, requiring more legal oversight and support. Companies are also navigating new regulations and compliance requirements post-Brexit​.

2. Accountants

Role Involvement: Accountants manage financial records, prepare tax returns, and provide financial advice to clients. They play a critical role in budgeting, auditing, and financial planning.

Skills Required:

• Professional accounting qualifications (ACCA, ACA, CIMA)
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Proficiency in accounting software

Salary:

• Average salary: £35,000 – £60,000 per year​.

Why in Demand: As businesses recover and expand, the need for accurate financial management and planning increases. Accountants help businesses optimize their finances, ensure compliance with tax laws, and support financial decision-making​.

3. Consultants

Role Involvement: Consultants provide expert advice to improve an organization’s performance. This can include strategic planning, operational improvement, and change management.

Skills Required:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Experience in a specific industry or functional area
• Ability to manage multiple projects

Salary:

• Average salary: £45,000 – £90,000 per year, depending on specialization and experience​.

Why in Demand: Companies are seeking ways to improve efficiency and adapt to new market conditions. Consultants bring the expertise needed to implement strategic changes and drive business growth​.

4. Financial Analysts

Role Involvement: Financial Analysts evaluate financial data to help companies make informed investment decisions. They analyze trends, create financial models, and prepare reports for management.

Skills Required:

• Degree in finance, economics, or a related field
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Proficiency in financial software and modeling
• Attention to detail

Salary:

• Average salary: £40,000 – £70,000 per year​.

Why in Demand: The recovering economy and fluctuating markets have increased the need for financial analysts who can provide insights and support investment decisions. Their role is crucial in helping businesses manage risk and capitalise on opportunities​.

5. Business Advisors

Role Involvement: Business Advisors provide guidance to improve business operations, financial performance, and strategic direction. They work closely with management teams to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency.

Skills Required:

• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in business management or consultancy
• Ability to analyse data and develop actionable insights

Salary:

• Average salary: £45,000 – £85,000 per year​.

Why in Demand: Businesses are increasingly seeking external expertise to navigate complex market conditions and competitive landscapes. Business advisors help organisations develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals​.

Industry Challenges and Trends

• Economic Recovery: The professional services sector is critical in supporting businesses as they recover from the pandemic and adapt to new economic realities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Increased regulations, particularly post-Brexit, have led to higher demand for legal and compliance professionals.
• Strategic Growth: Companies are focusing on strategic growth and operational efficiency, driving the need for consultants and business advisors.
• Financial Management: Effective financial management is essential for navigating market fluctuations, making accountants and financial analysts vital for businesses.

These roles are essential in helping organizations navigate the complexities of a recovering economy, ensuring compliance, and driving strategic growth.

5. Construction and Skilled Trades

The construction industry is seeing a steady demand for skilled tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and construction managers. Infrastructure projects and residential construction are key drivers for these roles.

6. Education

The education sector continues to seek professionals to fill roles such as teachers, teaching assistants, and administrative staff. There is a particular need for specialists in STEM subjects and special education.

Key Hiring Trends

• Skills-Based Hiring: Employers are increasingly prioritising candidates’ potential and willingness to learn over specific qualifications. This shift aims to address skills shortages by focusing on core competencies such as problem-solving and adaptability.
• Remote and Hybrid Work: There is a growing preference among job seekers for flexible work arrangements. Companies offering remote or hybrid working options are likely to attract top talent, especially in competitive fields like technology and professional services.
• Ethical AI in Recruitment: AI tools are becoming integral to the hiring process, helping to streamline candidate screening and improve the recruitment experience. However, companies are mindful of ethical considerations to avoid biases in AI-driven hiring practices.

Regional Insights

• London is experiencing the steepest increase in starting salaries, reflecting the high cost of living and competitive job market. However, the city also faces significant challenges in filling permanent vacancies.
• The Midlands and Northern England are seeing growth in both temporary and permanent roles, driven by regional economic development initiatives.

Overall, the UK job market in 2024 is characterised by a mix of recovery and adaptation, with sectors like technology, healthcare, and professional services leading the hiring wave. Employers who can navigate these trends and offer attractive working conditions are likely to succeed in attracting and retaining talent.