Commerce & Industry vacancies forecast to rise 9% year-on-year in 2025
Britain’s Commerce and Industry sector is showing renewed strength, with hiring set to increase for the first time in three years according to the latest Commerce and Industry report by Morgan McKinley and Vacancysoft. Total vacancies are forecast to rise by 9% in 2025, marking the strongest expansion since before the pandemic. The rebound follows a period of muted growth, with lower inflation, interest-rate cuts and pro-business fiscal policies restoring confidence among employers.
London remains the engine of recovery, with vacancies projected to grow by 12%, underpinned by investment in infrastructure, digital transformation and housing. Across the board, employers appear to be reopening recruitment pipelines that had lain dormant during prolonged economic uncertainty.
London Holds the Lead, but Regional Cities Regain Pace
Hiring activity in the capital continues to dominate, with London’s share of national commerce and industry vacancies climbing to 37% – its highest level in five years. However, growth is not confined to the capital. Bristol has emerged as a standout performer, posting a 49% rise in vacancies, while Leeds, buoyed by continued investment in finance and risk functions, is up by 45%. Yorkshire and the South West are among the best-performing regions, both exceeding 20% year-on-year growth. Scotland has returned to form though a slowdown in Edinburgh has shifted momentum to Glasgow and Aberdeen. With hiring up 43%, Belfast continues its emergence as a nearshoring hub for multinational firms.
Tech Skills and Tax Expertise in Growing Demand
The composition of finance vacancies continues to evolve, with companies shifting focus towards strategic and technology-led roles. Although retail and consumer goods still account for the largest share of hiring, their dominance is waning. Technology represents 19% of all roles, up from 16%just two years ago. Tax is the fastest-growing specialism, up 31% year-on-year as businesses respond to an increasingly complex fiscal landscape. Management accounting remains the most in-demand function, accounting for nearly 40% of finance vacancies. Meanwhile, automation is gradually reducing demand for traditional financial reporting roles, particularly in financial control.
Florence Edwards, associate director, Morgan McKinley commented: “After a few quieter years, confidence has returned to the UK’s Commerce & Industry hiring market. Businesses are investing again, and hiring activity is picking up pace across the country. The upward trajectory in recruitment is now laser-focused on value creation and transformation, particularly digital. The data highlights London’s continued dominance, but regional hubs like Bristol, Leeds and Belfast are gaining real momentum. Technology, infrastructure and engineering are driving much of this growth, while retail and consumer sectors prioritise efficiency and digital change.
Finance roles are evolving rapidly. Demand is strongest for professionals who can drive cost control, M&A, digital transformation and commercial impact. Interim, advisory and project-led finance talent is rising as businesses seek headcount that genuinely adds value. With automation and digital transformation reshaping functions, finance has firmly moved to the centre of business decision-making – far beyond its traditional ‘back-office’ roots.”
Firms Invest Selectively Amid Recovery
Hiring trends among major firms reveal sharp contrasts in strategy. BAE Systems continues to expand, posting a 24% rise in recruitment amid rising defence contracts. Network Rail has also returned to growth, with a 58% increase linked to new infrastructure investment. In retail, Boots has resumed hiring following a change in ownership, while Sainsbury’s continues to scale back operations. BT has cut recruitment by 35%, continuing a downsizing trend driven by automation. At EG Group, hiring has slowed following a surge in finance-related roles tied to its sale of Asda assets. While some firms are ramping up expansion, others remain focused on transformation and cost discipline.
Top 5 Companies, Accounting Professional, C&I, UK, 2023 – 2025 *Est
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025* | |
| EG Group | 72 | 163 | 117 |
| BAE Systems | 118 | 85 | 105 |
| Network Rail | 128 | 60 | 95 |
| BT | 84 | 80 | 52 |
| Sainsbury | 99 | 66 | 48 |