Working in Birmingham

Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest economy, only outdone by London. That said, with an unemployment rate well above the country’s average, it can be challenging to secure a job here.

If you do manage to secure employment in Birmingham, you’ll be joining a workforce that has repeatedly been rated as one of the UK’s happiest, thanks to the generally excellent working conditions and overall good work-life balance available here.

Job market in Birmingham

Birmingham has a long history as a manufacturing and engineering hub, with cars and jewellery being among the city’s main exports. However, although manufacturing was once Birmingham’s bread and butter, it has had to diversify in recent decades.

Today, Birmingham’s economy is more service-based. Tourism, retail, and finance are prominent industries, alongside continually growing sectors such as healthcare and social work. Birmingham’s central location also makes it an ideal base for logistics, transport and distribution operations.

Finding a job in Birmingham

When looking for a job in Birmingham, the internet is the resource. Start by expanding your network over LinkedIn and looking at the latest job postings in your industry. Online job portals, such as Reed and CV Library, list the most recent job openings in various industries and are a great way to keep an eye on what’s available. Visiting company sites directly and getting in touch with industry-specific recruitment companies are also good strategies. Above all, persistence is key, as it can take some time for your CV to end up on the right desk.

Note that if you’re not a UK citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need a work permit for the UK to work in Birmingham.

Useful links

• LinkedIn
• CV Library
• Reed

Work culture in Birmingham

While work culture varies significantly between industries, Birmingham companies tend to be friendly and relaxed workplaces as long as employees meet all their responsibilities. It’s not unusual to head out for a round of drinks after work, and the casual atmosphere provides a good environment for bonding with coworkers.

Birmingham’s widely known good work-life balance is one of the major benefits of moving here, and you’ll be glad to know you’re unlikely to be taking work home with you or working excessive hours of overtime.