UK Jobs 2024 data paints a diverse and dynamic picture, with distinct regional trends reflecting deeper shifts in economic conditions, industrial evolution, and policy changes. As the country navigates post-pandemic recovery, high inflation, and adjustments to global trade relationships, UK jobs in 2024 show uneven growth — highlighting both success stories and regions still struggling to regain momentum.
This comprehensive review breaks down where the UK jobs are in 2024, spotlighting the regions experiencing the strongest hiring activity and those facing persistent challenges.
Regional Employment Highlights
East of England: Surging Ahead
One of the most impressive performers in the 2024 UK labour market has been the East of England. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the region recorded the largest increase in workforce jobs, with an additional 95,000 positions created between September 2023 and September 2024.
The growth has been attributed to several factors:
- Expansion in advanced manufacturing and biotech clusters around Cambridge and Peterborough.
- A resilient logistics and warehousing sector driven by regional connectivity and infrastructure.
- A surge in green energy projects along the east coast.
The region’s economic diversity and investment in innovation have helped it buffer national economic headwinds better than most.
South West: Top Employment Rate
In the UK jobs landscape for 2024, the South West stands out as a top-performing region. From May to July 2024, it recorded the highest employment rate in the country at 79%, reinforcing its position in regional employment trends.
Local economies in places like Bristol, Exeter, and Cheltenham have capitalised on:
- A strong professional services sector.
- Growing creative and digital hubs.
- A high proportion of remote and hybrid work adoption, which has made the region attractive to skilled professionals relocating from major cities.
This region has also benefited from quality-of-life advantages that attract both employers and job seekers.
Scotland: Gains from Civil Service Relocation
Scotland has seen a notable rise in job creation through government decentralisation initiatives. Hundreds of civil service jobs are being relocated to cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.
Aberdeen, traditionally an energy industry stronghold, is positioning itself as a center for clean energy innovation, with a new campus for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero set to open soon.
Public sector redistribution and alignment with Scotland’s natural strengths in energy, fintech, and education are driving this trend.
Northern Ireland: Steady Progress
Though modest, Northern Ireland’s employment growth remains steady, with a 1.1% increase in payrolled employees recorded over the past year.
This stability comes despite global uncertainty and reflects:
- Resilient SMEs in manufacturing and food production.
- Emerging opportunities in software development and cybersecurity, particularly around Belfast.
- A renewed focus on economic integration post-Brexit.
Regions Facing Headwinds
London: Slight Contraction in Jobs
Despite its status as the UK’s financial and business capital, London experienced a 0.2% decrease in payrolled employees over the past year.
While the city still leads in high-paying sectors like finance, tech, and media, it faces significant challenges:
- Rising business costs and high commercial rent.
- Remote work trends prompting businesses to scale down centralised offices.
- A struggling retail and hospitality sector in parts of central London.
Job creation remains concentrated in high-skilled roles, while middle- and lower-income employment opportunities have seen limited recovery.
North East: Employment Lags Behind
The North East continues to grapple with systemic employment issues, recording the lowest employment rate in the UK at just 69.4%
Persistent challenges include:
- Deindustrialisation and the decline of traditional sectors like manufacturing.
- Limited investment in high-growth industries.
- Lower graduate retention compared to other parts of the UK.
However, the region holds potential for growth through green jobs and regional infrastructure investment—if adequately supported.
Sectoral Trends: Winners and Losers
Healthcare and Education: Under Strain
Public sector roles in healthcare and education—traditionally stable sources of employment—have seen a downturn.
A Financial Times report reveals that over a third of NHS trusts have started reducing clinical positions, and 40% of schools are cutting back staff due to spending pressures..
The primary drivers include:
- Static budgets failing to keep up with inflation.
- Increased administrative burdens.
- Staff burnout and retention issues post-pandemic.
These cuts have ripple effects on local employment, particularly in areas heavily reliant on public sector jobs.
Retail and Hospitality: Holding Back
The retail and hospitality industries—once major employment engines—are under pressure.
A report from The Times highlighted how rising national insurance costs and an increase in the national minimum wage have led to slower hiring or job reductions across restaurants, pubs, and stores.
Many businesses have:
- Shifted to part-time or casual contracts.
- Reduced operating hours.
- Delayed new store or venue openings.
These trends are most pronounced in urban centres like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Macroeconomic Influences on Hiring
Slower Wage Growth and Rising Unemployment
The UK’s wage growth slowed to 5.6% in the three months to March 2025, down from 5.9% the previous quarter, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.5%, its highest level since 2021.
This suggests a cooling labour market, where businesses are:
- More cautious about expansion.
- Seeking to cut costs through automation or outsourcing.
- Scaling back hiring plans in anticipation of economic volatility.
Decline in Employer Hiring Intentions
Employer confidence in hiring has dipped sharply. According to recent surveys, the net hiring balance has dropped to 8%, compared to 13% previously.
This sentiment is particularly evident among:
- Large private-sector employers.
- Retailers and leisure businesses.
- Sectors sensitive to consumer confidence and discretionary spending.
What’s Next for the UK Job Market?
Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Emerging sectors such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, fintech, and AI present high-potential growth zones. Government-backed investment zones and regional upskilling programs may further help rebalance employment opportunities.
However, sustained growth will require:
- Targeted investment in underperforming regions.
- Strategic sectoral support, particularly in education and healthcare.
- Policies that incentivise hiring across both SMEs and large enterprises.
Stay Ahead with WhatJobs News
As the job market continues to evolve, staying informed is key. Whether you’re a jobseeker, policymaker, or employer, tracking regional employment trends can help you make smarter decisions.
For more insights, analysis, and job market updates, visit WhatJobs News.
