Working in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a leading global economy with one of the largest GDPs worldwide. It is also one of the most globalised economies and among the world’s largest foreign direct investors.

Since the UK's decision to leave the EU, the pound fell to its lowest level in more than 30 years. Brexit has also led to labour, food and fuel shortages. While the long-term impact is becoming clearer, much still depends on ongoing trade deals and negotiations. Many in the private sector remain optimistic about the UK's economic outlook.

Job market in the UK

The UK’s economy is primarily driven by its robust service sector, which accounts for around 81 percent of total GDP and 83 percent of employment. Key areas within this sector include banking, insurance, and business services. The service sector has seen significant growth.

Manufacturing remains a vital part of the UK economy. Key industries include food production, basic metals and wearing apparel. Recent performance has been mixed. Brexit has had a mixed impact, causing disruptions in some areas, while others have adapted and thrived.

The UK aerospace industry is a global leader, housing over 3,000 companies, including major players like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Airbus. In 2022, the sector saw significant turnover and continued innovation, particularly in sustainable aviation technologies like electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

The pharmaceutical industry in the UK is also prominent, with major companies such as AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline. The sector played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing vaccines and treatments rapidly. The industry remains focused on research and development, with strong international partnerships.

Finding a job in the UK

Ideally, it is best to seek employment in person while in the UK, but expats will generally need a visa to enter the UK, and there is no visa specifically for job seeking. While it’s possible to enter on a visitor’s visa, you aren’t permitted to seek employment on this visa. To apply for a work visa, you will need to have a job offer in hand. Naturally, this creates something of a catch-22 situation that is tricky to navigate.

If you're unable to look for work from within the UK, the best course of action is to contact British recruitment agencies relevant to your profession. Networking on websites such as LinkedIn and browsing job portals can also be helpful.

Useful Links

• Gov.uk Job Search
• Reed.co.uk
• Indeed UK
• LinkedIn

Work culture in the UK

The British are typically reserved and pride themselves on good manners and behaviour. Business dealings are generally diplomatic, with everyone making an effort to be considerate and polite. Communication is restrained and directness is avoided, while evasive, cryptic and sometimes humorous statements are substituted for what’s actually meant. You’ll need to become adept at understanding these subtleties.

The business sphere is formal. Dress is conservative, punctuality is paramount and outward displays of emotion are considered distasteful.

Many businesses have moved towards an egalitarian approach where positions parallel each other. As a result, responsibilities and hierarchies can sometimes be unclear, which can be frustrating if you're used to explicit directives and a work culture of hierarchy.