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.

Newsletter

Get construction industry news relating to the UK, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and other worldwide locations.

Subscribe

Testimonial

“After deciding to move my career to Australia, Nilam played a crucial role in making the transition smooth and stress-free. Her efficient approach helped me secure an ideal opportunity that perfectly matched my skills and criteria for a new role. I've now been with my new employer for several months and couldn't be happier with the placement.”

CANDIDATE TESTIMONIAL | QUANTUM CONSULTANT AUSTRALIA | 2025

Send Us Your CV

Need help finding the ideal job? Want to save time when searching?

Let us find your next job.

Send Us Your CV

Register for Job Alerts

Maxim Insights

Living and Working in Canada for QS, Construction, Engineering and Claims Professionals

For UK-based professionals considering relocation, Canada offers a combination of career progression, competitive salaries, and clear immigration pathways. At Maxim Recruitment, we regularly support candidates exploring construction contractor and engineering and cost consultancy roles across the Canadian market.…

Read more »

The Magic Formula for Successful Professional Construction Recruitment

We share our magic formula to support both jobseekers and employers for the best outcomes with the investment of time and effort in long-term relationships and how that human approach is strengthened by the careful use of the latest recruitment technology. …

Read more »

Professional Construction Talent Acquisition in Competitive Canada

This article outlines how Maxim Recruitment supports Canadian construction employers through long-term recruitment partnerships, rather than reactive hiring. It explains how a combination of sector specialism, market insight and responsive recruitment support from us can helps employers compete for high-quality talent in tight labour markets.…

Read more »

Key Career Opportunities in 2026

With over 25 years of experience in UK and international construction recruitment, Maxim Recruitment is well placed to identify where demand is growing, and where construction professionals can successfully transfer their skills into new, rewarding career paths.…

Read more »

Clerk of Works FAQ | Simple Answers about being a Clerk of Works

Clerks of Works are in-demand throughout the UK, with many top construction companies actively looking for the right skilled individuals. This article answers many of the common questions about Clerks of Works and to how become one.…

Read more »

Industry News

Re:Construction podcast – Episode 196

Parliament refurb, Power tools and Persimmon’s recycling

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 February, 03:00

Read more »

Trial dates set for HPC prosecutions

Trial dates have been set for two separate prosecution cases instigated by the Office for Nuclear Regulation against Hinkley Point C contractors.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 February, 08:34

Read more »

Contractors named for £15.4bn DfE framework

The Department for Education has named 23 contractors for its £15.4bn Construction Framework 25.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 February, 08:22

Read more »

Cardo acquires Scottish decorators

The acquisitive Cardo Group has acquired Bellshill-based Trident Maintenance Services Ltd, strengthening its building maintenance capabilities.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 February, 07:36

Read more »

McBains to project manage Sussex Cancer Centre

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has appointed McBains to provide project management and cost management services for the construction of its new cancer hospital.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 February, 07:35

Read more »