Labour market statistics
Recent trends and how they might affect you
The current economic climate means that there is a lot of uncertainty within the labour market. This increases the need to carry out thorough research on the areas you are considering using a number of sources of information.
When planning your career
Take the time to
- ensure you have a comprehensive knowledge of the job market for the locations and sectors you are considering
- be flexible and positive
- possess relevant, up-to-date skills
- know what employers are looking for; this is even more crucial in the current recession
What kinds of job are available in your area?
If you are not able to move house or travel long distances, check the job market information from these regional and national vacancy sources.
The Future Skills Scotland website has information and research on the Scottish labour market.
What do graduates do? Scotland is an AGCAS Scotland site providing a host of information on the work and study destinations of graduates from Scottish higher education institutions six months after graduation.
The Scottish Business Information Service at the National Library of Scotland houses the largest collection of business data in Scotland.
If you are interested in working in Wales, find out about the local job market and get top tips on how to gain employment with the Go Wales 'Working in Wales Guide'.
Use creative job seeking strategies to gather further employment market information. If you are taking some time to retrain, then you want to be confident that the job you are training for will be available when you have qualified for it.
Further information
- The Prospects website has information on the current state of job sectors.
- The Office of National Statistics provides information on jobs in the public and private sectors, and gives an analysis of the UK workforce jobs by sector. It also looks at industry changes.
- The Incomes Data Services includes graduate pay and progression analysis by sector.
- The Sector Skills Council Alliance contains links to all Sector Skills Councils who cover training and skills development.
- The Financial Skills Partnership provides information on the finance, accountancy and financial services labour markets by nation and by English regions.