Working In The UK

An Overview of Construction Employment in the UK

The construction market in the UK is showing ongoing signs of strength, with Construction output growing by 5% in 2022.

Many professionals employed in the construction industry across the UK are enjoying rising salaries, improved packages and promotions.

Although the extent and exact details of construction growth and career opportunities vary around different parts of the UK, it is universally the case that it seems like the UK construction industry can't get hold of enough skilled and high calibre people to employ either from the UK or from resourcing construction talent from overseas.

At Maxim Recruitment, the number of building and civil engineering/infrastructure jobs we are filling from our UK office is constantly rising, as is the need to find more Quantity Surveyors to take employment across most parts of the UK.

Take a look at our sections on relocating to the UK:

> Moving To The UK
> Returning To The UK
> Working In London

 

Construction Contracts Awarded by Region

 

Here's a Quick Summary of Where the Skills are in Demand

Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Engineers, Planners, Health and Safety and Estimators are all in need across the UK. There are job vacancies on the Maxim Recruitment website relating to these and many other professions.  The main concentration of projects, and therefore vacancies is on London and the South East of England.  

Outside of London, the highest demand can be found in the UK's other major cities. In particular Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Cambridge have been areas in which Maxim have seen large numbers of construction job vacancies.

Salaries will vary between regions within the UK.  The cost of living in London and much of the south east of England is higher than in the Midlands and the north of the country and salary levels usually reflect this.

London Construction

The highest levels of skill shortages are present in Central London and in the South East of England. Huge redevelopment projects are taking place in London. Numerous cranes are a familiar site in the capital, often on the sites of high rise luxury apartment developments.

Huge infrastructure projects such as Thames Tideway and HS2 are underway on site.

We also have international quantity surveying and construction job vacancies available in other countries.  Explore more at Working In Dubai and The Middle East and Working In Hong Kong and Asia.

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Testimonial

“After deciding to relocate to Toronto from the UK I was relieved to have Steve helping with my job search. From the beginning he was keen to understand my specific requirements and was great at managing expectations and remaining fully transparent throughout the whole process. I ended up with a role that was very well suited to what I was looking for and Steve has remained in contact since I started the new role to check in, which was very much appreciated. I would definitely recommend Steve to anyone looking for a new role.”

GS | Toronto Canada | July 2025

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Industry News

Trade body appoints deputy chief

The National Federation of Builders has promoted James Butcher to deputy chief executive.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 28 August, 02:47

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McLaren to build £300m Cardiff arena

Contractor announced as developers reach financial close

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 28 August, 11:00

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Bowmer & Kirkland acquires fit-out specialist

Bowmer & Kirkland has taken over London-based interiors and fit-contractor Denton.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 28 August, 08:00

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Skanska targets defence and healthcare

Skanska UK has recruited James Davies from Laing O’Rourke to drive growth in defence and healthcare.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 28 August, 07:41

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Local firm lands £11m Luton Airport hangar refurbishment

Neville Special Projects has started work on hangars at Luton Airport.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 28 August, 07:00

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