Yorkshire! Yorkshire! Yorkshire!
We’re back once again, shining a light on what’s really happening across South Yorkshire – and there’s plenty of positive news to share.
In case you’re new here, our MD, Rob Shaw, proudly sits on the Rotherham Growth Board.
This means we get all the inside info on what the current labour market looks like for Rotherham and South Yorkshire.
In April, South Yorkshire recorded 43,166 live vacancies, up from just over 40,000 in March, highlighting continued confidence from employers across the region. While vacancy numbers increased, the median advertised salary remained unchanged at £31,040, suggesting the market has stabilised after the rise we saw earlier in the year.
What’s particularly encouraging is the consistency we’re seeing. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, businesses across South Yorkshire continue to recruit, invest and create opportunities. The increase in vacancy numbers month-on-month is a strong indicator that employers are still planning for growth rather than standing still.
When we look at the industries driving recruitment activity, there has been a slight shift since March. Health and social care continues to lead the way, while wholesale and retail, education and manufacturing remain among the region’s biggest recruiters. This month, Professional, Scientific and Technical services has moved into the top five, replacing hospitality and demonstrating the breadth of demand developing across the South Yorkshire economy.
One area we always keep a close eye on is what employers are actually looking for – not just in terms of experience, but skills.
And once again, the data backs up what we’ve been saying for a while.
Communication remains the most sought-after skill, alongside management, customer service, leadership, sales, planning, organisational skills and operational expertise. While technical knowledge certainly has its place, employers are continuing to place huge value on individuals who can communicate effectively, solve problems and contribute positively to a team.
It reflects exactly what we’re hearing day in, day out. Employers want people who can come in, get stuck in and work well with others.
We know qualifications still matter for certain roles – they always will – but it’s interesting to see that GCSEs remain the most commonly requested qualification level, followed by degree-level education and A-Level equivalents. That’s great news for accessibility and demonstrates that opportunities exist at multiple entry points into the labour market.
It opens the door for more people to step into work, change careers or take that next step without needing a long list of formal qualifications.
Looking at the types of roles being advertised, support workers continue to top the list, alongside teaching assistants, cleaners, care assistants and warehouse operatives. However, education roles have become even more prominent this month, with SEN teaching assistants, cover supervisors, primary teachers and early years teachers all featuring heavily in recruitment activity.
These are the roles that keep communities functioning and provide vital services across South Yorkshire.
On the flip side, at the top end of the market, salaries continue to stretch right up. Lead Architects topped the charts in April with advertised salaries reaching £188,500, followed by Java Developers at £162,500 and Design Architects at £144,896.
No, our team are definitely not rethinking careers in architecture… yet.
So, what does this mean for employers?
Vacancy numbers are continuing to rise, but salary growth has levelled off. This means that while pay remains important, factors such as employer brand, speed of hiring and candidate experience could become even bigger differentiators when competing for talent. In a market where candidates still have choices, standing out has never been more important.
And for candidates?
It remains a really positive market.
There are opportunities available across a wide range of sectors and experience levels. Employers continue to value transferable skills, practical experience and a willingness to learn. You don’t always need to tick every box on paper – it’s about what you can bring to the role.
Rob Shaw said: “It’s great to see vacancy numbers continuing to rise across South Yorkshire. Businesses are still hiring, opportunities are still there, and that’s a really positive sign for the region.
“There’s something for everyone in the market right now, whether you’re looking to grow your team or take the next step in your career, and it’s brilliant to be able to share those insights with the businesses and candidates we work with every day.”
Overall, April’s figures paint a positive picture for South Yorkshire. Vacancy numbers have increased, salaries have remained strong, and demand continues across key sectors. While the market may be showing signs of stabilisation rather than rapid growth, the underlying message is clear – businesses are hiring, opportunities are there, and the region continues to evolve.
Exactly what we like to see.
Yorkshire! Yorkshire! Yorkshire!
If you’re wondering what this means for your business, your hiring plans or your next move, give us a shout. The team at Glu Recruit is always up for a chat.