Finding a job in the UK

Looking for a job abroad can be tough. Uncertainty on where to move and what career path to go down are challenges faced by many who move to the United Kingdom.

Here we unpack what skills UK employers are searching for, what jobs are most in-demand, and exactly where is the best place to call home?

Which skills are sought by employers?

According to edvoy.com, one of the most sought-after jobs in the UK is that of a programmer or software developer. They say average starting salaries begin at £26,000. In the digital age, being a programmer or developer is in demand. But don’t let that deter you if you don’t feel overly confident with this, it’s never too late to learn.

Health care workers are also in high demand and edvoy.com says people qualified in this area can expect average starting salaries of around £21,000 – £30,000. Jobs within the public health sector are perhaps the easiest route for South African applicants to take. Whether this be as a director or as a care worker, both offer new and easy access ventures. It will become easier to get a job in care as the UK Government will include care workers in the Health and Care Visa route from this year.

Demand for delivery drivers has trebled in a year with employers also paying cash bonuses of up to £1,500 to entice more people to sit behind the wheel according to Indeed Flex. The jobs site said that the number of delivery driving shifts posted on the platform in February was up by a whopping 224.5% compared to the same month last year.

Indeed Flex’s research found that hourly wages can differ depending on where you end up settling. Delivery driver shifts in London have risen by 9.3% with temp workers earning £12.63 an hour on average. However, while Manchester drivers have seen wages climb up by 7.5%, they are paid less with a rate of £11.43 on average.

Those with teaching qualifications are also in demand. There may also be more demand in certain cities and towns than in others so it’s important to do your research. For example, there are currently dozens of jobs available in Liverpool’s schools and colleges according to the Liverpool Echo.

Translators could also do well in the current job market. This skill can lead to an abundance of opportunity working for international companies and liaising with people from all around the world. According to edvoy.com some of the most in demand translators include those that can speak German, Arabic, French, Dutch, Spanish, Russian and Mandarin Chinese.

Which jobs are the easiest to get for South Africans?

By choosing a job that’s in demand in the UK, South Africans may find their route into the UK becomes a little easier. The UK Home Office’s 2022 shortage occupation list provides an insight into exactly which jobs are currently in short supply. As these are urgently needed, the there is a more relaxed eligibility criteria for work visa applications. The full shortage occupation list can be found here.

Where are the best places to move for job opportunities?

According to WeBuyAnyHome’s Selling Points Index in 2018, the best cities for job opportunities were primarily in Southern England.

It found that Bristol, Cambridge, and Plymouth sat at the top of their list. However, Norwich followed closely behind due to the abundance of new opportunities it can offer; alongside Brighton which could be ideal for those seeking a career in tech and digital; and also Portsmouth where the Royal Navy base sees many working on the dockyard alone. Southampton also offers a healthy job market, as well as Bath and Derby.

Less surprisingly, London undoubtedly has the widest array of openings in numerous sectors, simply due to the size of the city. But for those who favour the North, Manchester follows closely behind as it continues to prosper.