Employer confidence is on the rise across the Midlands as vacancies for professional roles almost double

IT jobs more than doubled, as did those in procurement and supply chain, while accounting and finance (31%) and banking and financial services (30%) vacancies also saw healthy growth.

The latest Robert Walters UK Jobs Index has revealed that the number of advertised job vacancies in Birmingham rose by 84% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same time last year, outstripping the national average of 25%.

The number of IT job vacancies in the region saw the strongest increase of 170%, followed by procurement and supply chain (157%), fuelled by the rise of Birmingham as a major hub for tech firms and the importance employers are placing on efficient supply chain and procurement strategies.

Chris Poole, managing director at Robert Walters Birmingham, said: “After widespread economic and political uncertainty in 2016 saw many employers delay hiring plans, the first quarter of 2017 has been marked by a spike in job vacancies across many key sectors.”

“As Birmingham continues to grow as a tech hub for the UK, the number of advertised jobs for IT specialists has more than doubled compared to the same period last year, with specialists in cyber security being highly sought after, in addition to web developers.”

“Procurement and supply chain professionals are also in high demand. As a region with an economy balanced between manufacturing and services, businesses in the Midlands are acutely aware of the importance of ensuring efficiency in supply chains for both import and export as the UK prepares to negotiate new trade deals with Europe and the rest of the world.”

“Businesses are keen to secure professionals who can capitalise on the opportunities these changes will bring and support long term, sustainable growth.”

2016 was a challenging period for financial services employers, but in the first quarter of 2017 banks and financial services firms in the region have been looking to take on new talent.

In addition to ongoing pressure from regulators driving demand for specialists in risk and compliance, rising investment has also led employers to advertise for investment and asset managers.

Chris Poole said: “The Midlands is home to shared service centres for a number of large multinational banks and financial services firms. Attracted by lower overheads than the Capital and access to a highly skilled and motivated local workforce, these businesses have driven demand for finance professionals in mid and back office roles.”

“In addition, local firms and start ups, particularly in fin tech are playing a growing role in creating demand for banking and financial services specialists.”