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

“Thank you for your assistance in finding the perfect position for me. Maxim is a first-rate recruiting company that provides exceptional service. Steve was very helpful, friendly and professional. In order to identify the ideal match for his client and myself as a candidate, he thoroughly evaluated my personality, skill set, and experience. His proactive approach guided me through the process of securing my first overseas position and a fantastic new opportunity. I look forward to collaborating with Steve and the Maxim team again in the future. Once again, I want to thank you for helping me secure my new position.”

R.S. | Senior Quantity Surveyor | December 2023

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Winvic, Mott MacDonald to protect Wear bridge

Winvic Construction Ltd has been appointed design and build contractor for work to protect the Witton-le-Wear bridge in County Durham, working alongside design consultant Mott MacDonald.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 September, 07:31

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ECITB supports robotics training in Cumbria

The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board has awarded £250,000 in funding to the Cumbria Robotics Operations Skills Centre (CROSS), opening later this year, to build skills in robotics for the nuclear and clean energy sector.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 September, 07:22

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Sales down, prices up, at builders' merchants

The latest Builders' Merchant Building Index data shows sales by value down 1.2% year-on-year in Q2 2026, with prices up 5.8% and volumes down 6.6%.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 September, 07:13

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Ashbrook buys 1,600th Cat

Ashbrook Plant Hire has taken delivery of its 1,600th Cat, a Cat 308 excavator, part of a 166 machine order through Finning.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 September, 06:57

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Mace reuses steel for West End project

Mace Construct has completed work on 30 Duke Street St James's for GPE, using 78% recycled steel for the office and retail project.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 September, 06:54

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