- Oxford Economics is forecasting that employment in the UK will rise by 3.9% between 2025 and 2030, defying much of the gloomy commentary circulating about the jobs market. Cities are set to outperform the national picture, with predicted growth rates ranging from 4.1% for Tyneside to 6.0% for Inner London.
- London is predicted to continue to lead the pack, but by a narrow margin. Manchester is in second place at 5.9%, just barely behind the capital, while Edinburgh is third at 4.9%, suggesting there will now be more of a level playing field among the big urban areas.
- Certain key sectors are expected to significantly outperform, particularly Information & Communication and Professional, Scientific & Technical. In Professional, Scientific & Technical, Manchester has the highest projected growth rate at 8.6%, with Birmingham and London in joint second at 8.5%, while rising scientific R&D activity and questions around over-reliance on AI could support continued demand for human expertise.
- Information & Communication is set to be a growth engine for all major UK cities over the next five years, building on exponential growth across the UK over the last decade. London leads the field with 8.0% growth, but Bristol is close behind at 7.8%, followed by Birmingham at 7.6%; by contrast, Financial Services growth is expected to be more subdued, with Leeds forecast to see the highest growth in financial jobs at 3.7%.
- Strong employment growth reinforces robust demand for offices going forward, especially in cities where there is a high concentration of knowledge led sectors and skilled workforces. Manchester, which significantly outperforms the UK average and sits just behind London combines talent with a strong transport network, clear strategic governance, and cost advantages, making it a compelling proposition for occupiers.
Britain's Employment Hotspots
24 June 2026
