ROBERT WALTERS MANCHESTER JOBS INDEX – MAY 2016
* The number of jobs for secretarial and support professionals in the North West has rose by 69% in May compared to the same time in 2015.
* Growth has been driven by financial and professional services firms moving back office functions to the region as well a surge in activity among local construction and real estate companies.
The latest Robert Walters Manchester Jobs Index, which tracks the number of jobs available and jobseeking professionals in the North West month-by-month, has revealed that the number of jobs for secretarial and support professionals has risen by 69% compared to the same time last year.
Growth in demand for secretarial and support professionals has been spurred by growth in financial and professionals services firms in the region, with back office functions increasingly being relocated to the North West.
In addition, investment in infrastructure in Manchester and other regional hubs has lead local construction and property firms to expand, further fuelling demand for secretarial and support specialists.
GILLIAN OWEN, MANAGER FOR SECRETARIAL AND SUPPORT RECRUITMENT AT ROBERT WALTERS COMMENTS:
“Despite economic uncertainty ahead of the referendum, the North West is continuing to enjoy growth in a number of sectors which is driving demand for secretarial and support professionals.”
“For financial and professionals services firms, the North West is able to offer an ideal location to base mid and back office functions, with a highly skilled local workforce and lower operating costs that the Capital.”
“Local construction firms have also played a significant role in driving demand for secretarial and support staff. With government and private investment in house building and redevelopment, many of these firms are experiencing a surge in activity and are looking to take on support staff to help them manage the growth of their businesses.”
MID LEVEL PROFESSIONALS IN HIGHEST DEMAND
Demand has been high for secretarial and support professionals across a range of levels of seniority, but mid-level professionals with 3-4 years experience have been particularly highly sought after.
GILLIAN OWEN ADDS:
“As the responsibilities of secretary and support professionals change, employers are increasingly looking to recruit staff into these positions who can demonstrate experience which includes strong communication skills and project management experience.”
“Particularly in the case of financial and professional services firms, employers are also showing a preference for support staff with a background in the industry. As a result, professionals who meet these criteria are able to command high salaries.”
For further information, please contact:
Alan O’Doherty
Tel: +44 (0)20 7509 8839
Email: alan.odoherty@robertwalters.com
