1. Home
  2. You could be what employers need

You could be what employers need

Posted on • Labour Market Information

When planning your future, make informed decisions by keeping up with labour market news and information. The OU’s Business Barometer surveyed 1289 organisations about the UK skills landscape. The Barometer reports on the impact of issues like Brexit, inflation, and lack of infrastructure. Remember that with the right tools and knowledge of the labour market, you can Build Your Future with Career Confidence.

Some key insights from the Business Barometer:

The Business Barometer’s top 10 most in-demand jobs across the UK:

  1. Engineering
  2. Sales
  3. Admin
  4. Chefs
  5. Marketing
  6. IT
  7. Care staff
  8. Skilled/Trades
  9. Construction
  10. Teaching

1. Organisations need your application

Employers are struggling to fill roles and vacancy rates are very high. 42% of organisations were unable to fill roles due to lack of applicants and 21% said candidates had received offers from other employers.

One of those roles could be for you. Read our Job Seeking pages for help finding it.

Top job shortages

There are specific shortages in several roles. Engineers are most in-demand in Scotland and England. Marketing roles are number one in Wales and Accountants are most needed in Northern Ireland.

To start your research about specific roles, see our How do I become a…? page.

2. The skills OU study gives you are in demand

The UK is facing a systemic skills gap. 73% of organisations report skills shortages, with many finding it difficult to find candidates with the right skills. As an OU student, you are gaining many of the skills employers need. Take stock of what you have to offer and Audit Your Employability Skills. See also Employability Skills and OU Study and Skills Development.

3. Employers want to upskill existing employees

To tackle the skills gap, 44% of organisations plan to upskill employees using certified short courses. 41% intend to use coaching or mentoring, and 25% intend to use long-term training like apprenticeships. Our Continuing Professional Development page can help you record your work-based learning.

Get the bigger picture on the UK labour market

An image of the Business Barometer shown on a tablet computer.

The headlines above vary across sectors and locations. Find labour market information (LMI) relevant to you by following the links on our Job Research page, including to our OpenLearn LMI tool. Learn more by reading the full OU Business Barometer report.

The Barometer also reports on areas of opportunity for organisations. Could you increase your value by helping your employer build Net Zero, digitisation, or inclusive workforce plans?

Take your next step

Make the most of the insights and resources above to Plan Your Career and Make Career Decisions with confidence.

As an OU student, you have strengths and skills from life and study that are valued by employers. Whatever your ambitions, whether you’re a fresher or freshly graduated, OU Careers and Employability Services can equip you to realise your unique potential in the world beyond study. We can help you take your next step, even if you’re not sure what that should be. Our Career Readiness Pulse diagnoses your career needs and sends you straight to the support you need.

OU Careers and Employability Services
Headshot of Jack Renshaw, author.Jack Renshaw is a Development Coordinator in the OU’s Careers and Employability Services. He supports careers-related activity both within the service and across the University, helping students to achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Explore the rest of our blog for more articles from your careers team.