Manchester has long-since been considered one of the UK’s leading business hubs, known primarily for its historic contribution to the textile industry. However, Manchester is now home to thriving businesses across all sectors, from real estate to film and television production.
If you’re running a business from this location, you’re in good company. However, it could mean that you then find it that much harder to fill vacancies within your team as employers compete to find (and recruit) the city’s top talent.
Fortunately, this issue can be remedied by deepening your understanding of Manchester’s job market and focusing on improving your employability or reputation as a brand.
High-Demand Industries in Manchester.
As mentioned above, a wide range of businesses have chosen to make Manchester their home. In fact, a recent study found that over 120,000 businesses currently operate within the city, working across numerous industries from retail to financial services.
According to a recent report from Manchester City Council, the fastest-growing industries in Manchester are:
- Business Services
- Financial and Professional Services
- Cultural and Creative Services
- Design Services
Our own research found that there was also high-demand within the technology, manufacturing, and engineering industries. For example, the growing popularity of AI tools and software means that there are many AI engineering roles advertised in Manchester each week.
Salary Trends in Manchester.
According to data gathered by Salary Expert, the average salary in Manchester is £37,304, for full-time roles. This averages out to an hourly wage of around £18. However, it is important to note that salaries can vary widely based on industry, role and seniority.
In general, studies show that salaries have risen significantly over recent years in Manchester. For example, in November 2023, the number of Manchester-based employers paying their employees a real Living Wage increased by 50.8% in just over six months. This change was spurred by the city receiving the initial Living Wage City accreditation, which ensures that employee’s salaries cover the increased costs of living within a city.
As such, one of the reasons why employers may struggle to attract the attention of top-talent is due to the proposed salaries, especially during the current economic crisis.
Job Seekers in Manchester.
While salaries do play a key role in attracting candidates, many job seekers are now more concerned with the bigger picture. For example, they’ll also be influenced by things such as company culture and business reputation. In fact, “69% of job seekers would reject offers from companies with a bad employer reputation.”
There are many ways in which employers can set about building a more positive image for their brand, such as by introducing workplace wellness schemes, or taking on feedback from current employees.
Furthermore, it’s important that job offerings clearly outline progression opportunities. This is because job seekers are looking for roles in which they can grow and develop, which means they’ll quickly disregard positions, or companies, that do not seem to facilitate this.
Final Thoughts.
While there are many challenges associated with recruiting for open positions in Manchester, it remains a great spot for businesses to call home. This is because it is a thriving city, which attracts some of the UK’s greatest talents across numerous sectors.
Furthermore, as an employer, you can increase your chances of attracting the right candidate by working on furthering your understanding of the market, or ensuring that you’re running the kind of company that people want to work for. Partnering with a recruitment consultancy (with a keen understanding of the local market) can also play a key role in your long-term success.
For example, our partnership services are designed to eliminate many of the struggles commonly found in the recruiting process. You’ll be paired with a team who understands not only the industry you work within, but your business as a whole – which means they bring the right candidates to your door.
During our partnership, we’ll also provide you with a consultation service that helps you to make your brand more attractive to job seekers. This way, you’ll be quickly made aware of the mistakes you could be making that inadvertently turn away the top talent, so that you can turn things around quickly.
Together, we can put your business on the path to success.
If you’d like to find out more about our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.
Book a free 15 minute consultation call info@manchesterstaff.com
Manchesterstaff.com 0161 532 8252
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