Data from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), based on research undertaken by Vacancysoft has found professional job availability across the Midlands remains strong, with Birmingham, Nottingham and Leicester creating plenty of opportunities within region. Demand for professionals across the region was up 15 per cent, with vacancies rising by 22 per cent in the East Midlands and by 10 per cent in the West Midlands.
The Technology, Media & Telecoms sector (TMT) is helping to drive professional job growth in Birmingham, with openings up by 24 per cent year-on-year in May 2019. There was also significant growth in the third sector, with vacancies increasing by 32 per cent in a 12-month period, making it the fastest growing area of employment across the city. The data also reveals that job creation was significant in the professional services sector, with demand increasing by 10 per cent. As such, it has overtaken financial services as the leading sector for employment.
In Nottingham, consumer goods and services is the fastest growing sector in the city, with vacancies increasing by 33 per cent year-on-year in May 2019. Growth was also significant in the Technology, Media & Telecoms sector, where vacancies increased by 23 per cent. In contrast, demand for talent within financial services dipped by 4 per cent, however there are still opportunities within its biggest players. By company, hiring activity at Experian Ltd and Capital One rose by 12 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.
Finally, Leicester’s consumer goods & services is the leading sector for professional employment with vacancies up by 38 per cent year-on-year in May 2019. The data also shows that there was significant growth in the Technology, Media & Telecoms (TMT) sector, with demand rising by 30 per cent over the same period, and in the industrial engineering sector, with vacancies increasing by 20 per cent.
In contrast, there has been a huge decline in roles within financial services, with job opportunities decreasing by 77 per cent. Much of this overall fall can be attributed to a 278 per cent decrease in roles at HSBC.
“It is fantastic to see that the region is experiencing high levels of vacancy growth,” said Julie Selby, membership relations manager at APSCo. “The ongoing political uncertainty has impacted certain sectors, such as automotive, however there are many professions still thriving.
“The Government’s Midlands Engine strategy can be thanked for much of the major development in economic growth, investments and productivity,” Selby added. “The scheme has enabled companies to expand their teams significantly.”
