Skip to main content

Talent Insights

Dive into cutting-edge analysis, in-depth research, and invaluable insights on the future of work. Stay ahead of the curve and discover the trends shaping tomorrow’s workforce today.

Green Skills

The transition to a low-carbon economy dominates the global agenda, and its impact on employment cannot be overstated. In this paper, we explore the importance of green skills, the UK’s relative strengths and weaknesses, and the impact of the transition on the economy and labour market. We address the key challenges, and provide recommendations for cultivating a resilient, sustainable, and future-proof workforce.

Read More

Adecco Labour Market Outlook

In times of uncertainty, it’s vital to inform your decision-making with the latest market insight. The Labour Market Outlook combines salary data from salary.com, economic analysis from Oxford Economics, and insight from Adecco experts on the ground.

This snapshot of the UK labour market aims to help you better understand the current landscape, and we hope the analysis and data provided will help inform your workforce strategy and hiring plans.

Download now

Monthly Labour Market Updates

September 2023

September’s labour market update highlights the emerging paradox within the UK’s employment landscape; record levels of pay growth signal fierce hiring competition, whilst unemployment levels are rising at the fastest rate seen outside of a recession.

Read more...

August 2023

Despite an increased talent pool, this quarter's hiring movement remained slow, skewing towards temporary roles as economic uncertainty contines.

Read more...

July 2023

Emerging shifts in the UK labour market contribute to a diverse landscape impacting both employers and job seekers as we move into the second half of 2023.

Read more...

June 2023

Following persistent talent shortages, candidate availability has risen for the past three months. Our June Labour Market Outlook explains what the upswing means for your region and sector, with definitive analysis of hiring activity, skills gaps, and employment trends.

Read more...

May 2023

Tight conditions may be turning a corner as economically inactive people return to the labour market, easing competition for candidates. Learn how to capitalise on changing market conditions in this month’s report.

Read more...

April 2023

Confidence and hiring activity have been boosted, but businesses still face a labour shortage and fierce competition. Read our recap of Q1 recruitment activity and forecast of things to come.

Read more...

September 2023

September’s labour market update highlights the emerging paradox within the UK’s employment landscape; record levels of pay growth signal fierce hiring competition, whilst unemployment levels are rising at the fastest rate seen outside of a recession.

Read more...

August 2023

Despite an increased talent pool, this quarter's hiring movement remained slow, skewing towards temporary roles as economic uncertainty contines.

Read more...

July 2023

Emerging shifts in the UK labour market contribute to a diverse landscape impacting both employers and job seekers as we move into the second half of 2023.

Read more...

June 2023

Following persistent talent shortages, candidate availability has risen for the past three months. Our June Labour Market Outlook explains what the upswing means for your region and sector, with definitive analysis of hiring activity, skills gaps, and employment trends.

Read more...

May 2023

Tight conditions may be turning a corner as economically inactive people return to the labour market, easing competition for candidates. Learn how to capitalise on changing market conditions in this month’s report.

Read more...

April 2023

Confidence and hiring activity have been boosted, but businesses still face a labour shortage and fierce competition. Read our recap of Q1 recruitment activity and forecast of things to come.

Read more...

Adecco Skills Series

Your gateway to insights on in-demand skills in the UK job market. Uncover the challenges and opportunities for employers in key areas, gain a competitive edge, and stay ahead of the evolving workforce landscape.

Key trends and challenges related to the STEM workforce and skills in the UK.

Read more...

Learn how UK policymakers and businesses can take practical steps to producing a sustainable workforce.

Read more...

Public sector employers are struggling to source qualified candidates. Adecco's latest research provides strategies for tackling critical public sector skills gaps

Read more...

More volumes coming soon…

Get in touch!

Contact Us

FAQs

1. What is the the future of work in the UK?

+

-

The future of work in the UK is expected to be shaped by automation, Al and a continued shift towards remote ond flexible work arrangements. Automation could impact sectors like manufacturing, retail and transport, potentially leading to job losses or a skill shift. Meanwhile, remote working, which gained traction during the pandemic, is likely to continue with many companies ond workers keen to maintain this arrangement. The gig economy is also on the rise, offering more flexibility but necessitating policy changes for worker protection.

2. What jobs will be in demand in the UK in 2024?

+

-

Due to various factors, including automation, Al. and a shift towards remote and flexible working, predicting future job demand in the UK is a challenging task. However, based on trends, it's anticipated that roles requiring digital skills, alongside roles in Al, automation, and remote working technology, will be in demand. Additionally, as organisations continue to adopt remote working, jobs supporting this trend, such as IT and cybersecurity, are likely to see increased demand. However. it's crucial to bear in mind that these changes may impact different demographic groups unevenly. necessitating policy adjustments to ensure inclusive growth.

3. Is 2023 a good time to switch jobs in the UK?

+

-

Given the emerging future of work trends, 2023 could be an opportune time to switch jobs in the UK, particularly if you possess or are willing to acquire digital skills. As workplaces undergo changes, roles are expected to place a higher value on cognitive work, with a focus on digital upskilling. Middle managers are anticipated to shift towards coaching and empathy, employees are likely to prioritize purpose and passion, and technology's role, including smart machines and personal virtual assistants, will grow. However, the switch should be carefully considered as there are always risks involved. Make sure to stay updated with the job market trends and adapt accordingly.

4. Will unemployment rise in the UK in 2024?

+

-

Although these kinds of predictions are always approximate, current data suggests a potential decrease in the UK's unemployment rate. After reaching 3.7 percent in 2022, it is projected to rise to 4.1 percent in 2023. This trend looks set to continue into 2024 with a further slight rise in unemployment rates. However, these figures are only forecasts and could be impacted by various factors, including economic conditions and policy changes. As such, it's crucial to keep abreast of the latest labour market trends and economic forecasts for the most accurate information.

5. What jobs are in shortage in the UK?

+

-

Again, it's difficult to say for certain, as no one source is truly exhaustive, but the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL), for example, compiles job sectors experiencing staff shortages, which can be filled by migrant workers through a Skilled Worker visa. Notably, significant proportion of these visas are issued to care workers and assistants, hinting at high demand in the healthcare sector, and also in the IT industry. For job seekers, these lists can offer valuable insights into the UK job market and potential opportunities.

6. How many people work in STEM in the UK?

+

-

It is currently estimated that there are around 2.9 million people working in STEM in the UK, which accounts for about 18% of the UK's total workforce. This figure has been steadily increasing over the years, driven by the rising demand for STEM skills across various sectors and is set to continue into the future, especially as sectors throughout the economy become more high tech and reliant on systems integration in order to stay competitive.

7. ls there a shortage of STEM workers in the UK?

+

-

Yes, there is a significant shortage of STEM workers in the UK that is costing the economy on estimated 15 billion pounds per year, placing business growth, net-zero objectives, and digital transformation at risk According to the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, 43% of STEM vacancies are hard to fill - primarily due to a lack of applicants with the required skills and experience. Research indicates that this skills gap will take some time to fill as well, with an estimated 115,000 more girls Needed to take maths or physics at A-Level just to reach equal numbers of male and female students studying engineering and technology degrees.

8. How much do stem graduates earn in the UK?

+

-

STEM graduates in the UK tend to earn more than their non-STEM counterparts. The median nominal salary for working-age graduates was reported to be £38,500 in 2022. When comparing this with the non-STEM median salary of £20000, it's evident that STEM graduates earn significantly more. Although these figures can fluctuate based on various factors such as the specific field within STEM, level of education, experience and location, the higher earning potential in STEM fields underscores the value of a STEM education and the demand for these skills in the UK's job market.

Speak to an expert

Connect with our team to find out how we can help you