Thriving Employment Opportunities in UK Manufacturing: Insights from the Make UK Regional Manufacturing Report Q2
E3 Recruitment is delighted to present the latest findings from the Make UK Regional Manufacturing Report, offering valuable insights into the employment landscape within the UK manufacturing sector. Compiled by BDO and Make UK, this comprehensive report provides a deep understanding of the current state of manufacturing employment across different regions, highlighting the sector’s significance and growth potential.
The Make UK Regional Manufacturing Report presents a detailed analysis of employment trends and figures, showcasing the crucial role manufacturing plays in job creation and economic growth nationwide. Here are key highlights from the report:
Overall Employment Trends:
The report underscores the manufacturing sector’s status as a major employer in the UK, making a significant contribution to job creation. Despite recent industry challenges, manufacturing employment has demonstrated resilience and growth in several regions, emphasising its enduring importance to the national economy.
Regional Disparities:
A comprehensive regional breakdown of employment statistics reveals opportunities and variations in manufacturing employment across the UK. Different regions exhibit distinct strengths, reflecting diverse industrial landscapes and historical factors.
For instance, regions like the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West have long been manufacturing powerhouses, with a higher concentration of manufacturing jobs. These areas benefit from a rich manufacturing heritage, skilled workforces, and robust supply chains.
Emerging Manufacturing Hubs:
The Make UK Regional Manufacturing Report also highlights the emergence of new manufacturing hubs in regions such as the East Midlands, the South West, and the North East. These areas have experienced notable growth in manufacturing employment, showcasing their potential to become key contributors to the sector’s expansion.
This development can be attributed to various factors, including infrastructure investments, technological advancements, and supportive regional policies. The rise of these manufacturing clusters presents exciting opportunities for job seekers and businesses alike, fostering innovation and economic development in these regions.
| Region | Manufacturing Jobs (2022) | % of Region’s Workforce | % of UK’s Workforce |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | 265,000 | 11% | 0.7% |
| East of England | 228,000 | 7% | 0.6% |
| North East | 104,000 | 8% | 0.3% |
| North West | 314,000 | 8% | 0.9% |
| South East and London | 430,000 | 4% | 1.2% |
| South West | 249,000 | 8% | 0.7% |
| West Midlands | 310,000 | 10% | 0.9% |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | 316,000 | 11% | 0.9% |
| Scotland | 183,000 | 7% | 0.5% |
| Wales | 147,000 | 10% | 0.4% |
Skills and Training:
The report addresses the ongoing need for a skilled workforce in the manufacturing sector. As the industry embraces digitalisation and automation, the demand for workers with advanced technical skills, digital literacy, and adaptability continues to grow.
Investing in training and upskilling initiatives is crucial to meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and training providers is essential to ensure a pipeline of skilled talent that can drive innovation and productivity.
Steady Employment Growth:
The report reveals steady employment growth in the manufacturing sector compared to the first quarter of the year. While there has been a decline of approximately 5,000 live vacancies in the sector, the overall employment metric data and investment intentions indicate consistent growth in manufacturers’ headcount over the past two quarters. This suggests that the industry is successfully recruiting, albeit at a lesser scale than desired. Future employment intentions for the third quarter demonstrate manufacturers’ intent to employ even more labour, highlighting a positive outlook for job opportunities in the sector.
Investment Intentions:
The report also examines investment intentions within the manufacturing sector. Although the investment intentions metric has slightly dipped compared to the unexpectedly high figures from the first quarter, it remains positive. This indicates that manufacturers maintain confidence in the sector and have plans to invest in their operations over the next 12 months. While the first quarter’s balance figure was modest at +14%, it defied the overall downward trend observed in the previous year, emphasising manufacturers’ commitment to driving growth and innovation.
The Make UK Regional Manufacturing Report, sourced from BDO and Make UK, offers valuable insights into the employment landscape within the UK manufacturing sector. The report highlights the sector’s resilience, its contribution to job creation, and its potential for growth across various regions.
Manufacturing remains a vital pillar of the UK economy, providing diverse employment opportunities and fostering innovation. The emergence of new manufacturing hubs, alongside the continued strength of established manufacturing regions, demonstrates the industry’s potential for further expansion and prosperity.
As a leading recruitment agency in the manufacturing sector, E3 Recruitment recognises the significance of these findings. We are dedicated to connecting talented individuals with rewarding career opportunities in manufacturing, ensuring the sector continues to thrive and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
Source: Make UK Regional Manufacturing Report (BDO and Make UK)
Disclaimer: The data and insights presented in this article are derived from the Make UK Regional Manufacturing Report, compiled by BDO and Make UK. E3 Recruitment does not claim ownership of the report, and all credit for the data and analysis goes to the respective organisations.
