Where are the best places to get a job in 2019?
On average, professional salaries for permanent roles in the North West will see a bigger hike (+7%) in 2019, compared with any other region in the country. This compares with London (+3%), Yorkshire (+3%), and the Midlands (+1%). The data come from leading recruiter Robert Walters annual Salary Survey.
Those on a contract, temp or project-based fees (charging by the day or hour) will see a significant increase in their rates – namely in the Midlands (+11%), London (+9%), and St Albans (+5%).
Chris Hickey, UK CEO at Robert Walters, comments: “It comes as no surprise that salaries outside of London will be receiving bigger percentage increases than the capital.
“The UK remains a ‘two-speed economy’, with London-based financial services firms experiencing slow growth due to Brexit-related concerns, while non-financial services companies outside of London experienced much faster growth.
“Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham have been particularly successful in positioning themselves as regional tech-hubs, attracting talent that would have historically migrated to London.”
Not surprisingly, given that is one of the fastest-growing markets across the whole of the UK – growing at three times the rate of the main economy – the IT industry offer the best average salary across the UK.
Average salaries in Tech are around £70,000, compared to Law – £65,000, and Accounting & Finance at £53,000.
Salaries by Sector
ACCOUNTING & FINANCE
This year we will see an increase in interim and temp roles within finance as companies prepare for Brexit. Professionals that are digitally proficient and tech savvy and able to work in a fast-paced and changing environment will be particularly sought after. The expectation of salary increases of more than 10% has become commonplace, with top-performing talent expecting lucrative compensation packages above market value. There will be a continued need for industry-trained management for accountants at the recently qualified (£50-55k) level.
Region
Type
Permanent (average p/a GBP)
% increase / decrease from 2018
Contract (average)
% increase / decrease from 2018
London
£79k
+9%
£399 p/d
+11%
Midlands
Qualified
£60k
+14%
£32 p/h
+12%
Part-qualified
£32k
–
£17 p/h
–
Milton Keynes
Qualified
£73k
–
£88 p/h
–
Part-qualified
£30k
–
North West (Manchester)
£56k
+2%
North West (Merseyside)
Qualified
£49k
+3%
£26 p/h
+3%
Part-qualified
£24k
+1%
£12p/h
-13%
South Home Counties
Qualified
£78K
–
£43 p/h
–
Part qualified
£34k
–
£18 p/h
0
St Albans
Qualified
£69k
–
£45 p/h
-4%
Part qualified
£36k
–
£18 p/h
+11%
Yorkshire
Qualified
£63k
–