Healthcare support workers have emerged as the most in-demand professionals in the United Kingdom, according to new data from job search platform Adzuna. The findings offer a telling snapshot of the shifting dynamics in the UK labour market, highlighting a renewed surge in activity across core economic sectors.
Alongside healthcare support workers, employers are actively seeking social care workers, warehouse staff, and sales assistants, reflecting the persistent need for practical, people-facing and operational roles. Additional high-demand occupations include software developers, healthcare assistants, cleaners, labourers, and project managers.
Andrew Hunter, co-founder of Adzuna, stated that the labour market appears to be steadily regaining momentum.
“May reinforced the sense that the job market in the UK is gradually regaining its footing,” said Mr Hunter.
Despite a marginal dip in the total number of vacancies, the UK has now recorded three consecutive months of year-on-year vacancy growth. This marks a significant turning point after a prolonged period of contraction, where uncertainty around the economy, global trade conditions, and domestic business investment stalled hiring.
One notable trend emerging from the data is the rise in advertised salaries. Mr Hunter reported that average pay is up nearly 9% compared to the same time last year, outpacing inflation and offering a degree of financial optimism to jobseekers.
“Advertised salaries continue to climb, too,” he said, “with average pay up nearly 9 per cent compared to last year, comfortably outpacing inflation.”
Yet, amid the broader upward trend, concerns remain over parts of the healthcare and nursing sector. While demand for healthcare support roles remains high, the number of vacancies for traditional nursing and clinical roles appears to be softening – a pattern analysts will monitor closely in the months ahead.
The research also revealed that the average time taken to fill a vacancy in the UK is currently around 35 days. There are roughly two jobseekers for every available vacancy – an indicator that the market still maintains a level of competitiveness, even as opportunities rise.
Private sector activity grows, bolstering service industry outlook
In a separate development, June saw an increase in business activity across the UK’s private sector, supported in part by a relaxing of certain US trade restrictions. This shift has helped boost overall business sentiment, particularly within the services sector – the largest component of the UK’s economic output.
The services industry, which includes hospitality, entertainment, finance, and property, returned to modest growth after six months of contraction, according to recent survey data. This expansion has been attributed to a combination of improved consumer confidence and more favourable international trade arrangements, particularly new deals forged by the United States with key partners such as the United Kingdom.
However, the news was not as positive for the manufacturing sector, which experienced another decline in output. Export-oriented businesses reported ongoing challenges linked to reduced overseas demand and logistical bottlenecks – particularly in light of recent global trade tensions.
While some manufacturers cited enhanced optimism due to new trade pacts, others flagged continued caution around the lingering effects of past tariffs introduced during Donald Trump’s administration.
Economic outlook points to cautious optimism
The overall outlook for the UK job market and wider economy points to cautious optimism. Rising wages, consistent vacancy growth, and improved private sector sentiment signal a more resilient post-pandemic economic environment. However, ongoing uncertainties in specific sectors – notably healthcare and manufacturing – suggest the recovery remains uneven.
The landscape continues to evolve, with employers adapting their recruitment strategies to meet shifting demand and workforce expectations. As the country navigates a changing global economy and domestic restructuring, the resilience of key professions like healthcare support, warehouse logistics, and software development will remain central to the UK’s growth story.
