UK Election 2024: Impact on Skilled Worker Visas and Immigration Policies for International Job Seekers
As the UK elections take place today, 4 July 2024, international job seekers are keenly observing each party's stance on immigration.
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Top Cities for Job Seekers
Top Cities for Foreign Professionals Pursuing Careers in the UK and Ireland
The United Kingdom and Ireland have long been magnets for foreign professionals seeking diverse career opportunities in dynamic environments. With rich histories, cultural diversity, and thriving job markets, both regions offer numerous options for those looking to make their mark in their chosen fields. If you're considering a move to the UK or Ireland, it's crucial to choose the right city that aligns with your career goals. To help you in your decision-making process, we've ranked the top cities in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland based on the number of job opportunities, with a focus on the healthcare industry and other key sectors.
Top Cities in the United Kingdom
Interesting Statistics about cities in the UK
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According to the UK government, foreign-born workers make up 18% of the UK labour force.
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The UK healthcare sector is the largest employer in the country, with over 1.3 million people working in it.
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London is home to over 50% of the UK's tech jobs.
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Manchester is the UK's fastest-growing city.
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Edinburgh has the highest quality of life in the UK.
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Glasgow is the UK's most affordable major city.
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Aberdeen is the UK's oil and gas capital.
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Cardiff is the UK's fastest-growing city outside of London.
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Swansea is home to the UK's largest indoor market.
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Newport is the UK's third-largest port.
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Belfast is the UK's fastest-growing city in Northern Ireland.
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Derry is the UK's second-largest city in Northern Ireland.
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Newry is the UK's sixth-largest city in Northern Ireland.
Popular Cities in England
London
Population: Approximately 8.9 million
Popular Suburbs: Greenwich, Richmond, Clapham
Liveability: London offers a vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and excellent public transportation. However, the cost of living is high, and traffic congestion can be challenging.
Top Industries: London's healthcare sector is bolstered by prominent institutions like Guy's Hospital and St. Thomas' Hospital. Finance, technology, and creative industries thrive in the capital.
Manchester
Population: Around 2.8 million (Greater Manchester)
Popular Suburbs: Didsbury, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Altrincham
Liveability: Manchester offers a lower cost of living compared to London, a lively cultural scene, and excellent education options. The city has seen significant growth in recent years.
Top Industries: Manchester is a tech and digital hub, with the healthcare sector supported by institutions like the Manchester Royal Infirmary and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
Birmingham
Population: Approximately 2.5 million (West Midlands)
Popular Suburbs: Solihull, Edgbaston, Sutton Coldfield
Liveability: Birmingham offers a mix of urban and suburban living, affordable housing, and excellent transport links. The city has a thriving culinary scene.
Top Industries: The city's healthcare sector is prominent, with institutions like the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham Children's Hospital. Manufacturing and engineering industries also provide ample job opportunities.
Leeds
Population: Around 800,000
Popular Suburbs: Headingley, Roundhay, Chapel Allerton
Liveability: Leeds is known for its vibrant cultural scene, excellent shopping, and green spaces. It offers a balanced cost of living.
Top Industries:: The city's healthcare industry is robust, with institutions like Leeds General Infirmary. It also has a thriving financial sector.
Bristol
Population: Approximately 670,000
Popular Suburbs: Clifton, Redland, Bedminster
Liveability: Bristol offers a unique blend of historic charm and modernity. It has a thriving arts and music scene and a balanced cost of living.
Top Industries: The city's healthcare sector benefits from institutions like Bristol Royal Infirmary, and it is a hub for aerospace and tech industries.
COST OF LIVING
Popular Cities in Scotland
Edinburgh
Population: Around 540,000
Popular Suburbs: Leith, Morningside, Stockbridge
Liveability: Edinburgh boasts stunning architecture, a rich history, and a thriving arts scene. It offers a high quality of life, but housing costs can be steep.
Top Industries:The city's healthcare sector is strong, with renowned institutions like the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Finance and technology are major industries.
Glasgow
Population: Approximately 1.8 million (Greater Glasgow)
Popular Suburbs: West End, Shawlands, Bearsden
Liveability: Glasgow is known for its friendly residents and cultural offerings. It provides a more affordable cost of living compared to Edinburgh.
Top Industries: Glasgow's healthcare sector is supported by institutions like the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The city also has a thriving creative scene.
Aberdeen
Population: Around 230,000
Popular Suburbs: Cults, Peterculter, Bieldside
Liveability: Aberdeen is known for its strong sense of community, beautiful coastal locations, and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities in the UK.
Top Industries: Aberdeen is the "Oil Capital of Europe," with a robust energy sector. Healthcare opportunities can be found at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Dundee
Population: Approximately 150,000
Popular Suburbs: Broughty Ferry, Monifieth, Newport-on-Tay
Liveability: Dundee is a compact city with a rich cultural scene and a lower cost of living. It offers a good work-life balance.
Top Industries: Dundee's healthcare sector includes the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School. The city is also a hub for gaming and creative industries.
Inverness
Population: Around 61,000
Popular Suburbs: Crown, Dalneigh, Milton of Leys
Liveability: Inverness offers a tranquil lifestyle amidst scenic landscapes. It has a lower cost of living compared to larger Scottish cities.
Top Industries: The city's healthcare sector is supported by Raigmore Hospital. Inverness is also a centre for tourism and hospitality.
Popular Cities in Wales
Cardiff
Population: Approximately 360,000
Popular Suburbs: Penarth, Roath, Whitchurch
Liveability: Cardiff offers a blend of city living and beautiful countryside. It has a lower cost of living compared to many UK cities.
Top Industries: Cardiff's healthcare industry benefits from institutions like the University Hospital of Wales and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Finance and professional services are also strong sectors.
Swansea
Population: Around 250,000
Popular Suburbs: Mumbles, Uplands, Sketty
Liveability: Swansea boasts beautiful beaches and natural surroundings. It offers a relaxed lifestyle with a lower cost of living.
Top Industries: Swansea has a growing technology sector and strong healthcare opportunities, including the Singleton Hospital and Morriston Hospital.
Newport
Population: Approximately 150,000
Popular Suburbs: Caerleon, Rogerstone, Langstone
Liveability: Newport provides a balance between urban living and green spaces. It offers affordability and proximity to larger cities.
Top Industries: Newport's job market includes manufacturing, technology, and healthcare opportunities, with the Royal Gwent Hospital serving as a major healthcare facility.
Cardiff
Population: Approximately 360,000
Popular Suburbs: Penarth, Roath, Whitchurch
Liveability: Cardiff offers a blend of city living and beautiful countryside. It has a lower cost of living compared to many UK cities.
Top Industries: Cardiff's healthcare industry benefits from institutions like the University Hospital of Wales and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Finance and professional services are also strong sectors.
Swansea
Population: Around 250,000
Popular Suburbs: Mumbles, Uplands, Sketty
Liveability: Swansea boasts beautiful beaches and natural surroundings. It offers a relaxed lifestyle with a lower cost of living.
Top Industries: Swansea has a growing technology sector and strong healthcare opportunities, including the Singleton Hospital and Morriston Hospital.
Popular Cities in Northern Ireland
Belfast
Population: Around 340,000
Popular Suburbs: Holywood, Lisburn, Bangor
Liveability: Belfast offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It has a lower cost of living compared to some UK cities.
Top Industries:Belfast's healthcare sector is strong, with institutions like the Royal Victoria Hospital and Queen's University Belfast. Finance, technology, and creative industries thrive in the city.
Londonderry/Derry
Population: Approximately 85,000
Popular Suburbs: Waterside, Eglinton, Strathfoyle
Liveability: Derry is known for its friendly community and scenic surroundings. It offers an affordable cost of living.
Top Industries: Derry has a growing digital and creative industry and healthcare opportunities at Altnagelvin Area Hospital and the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
Newry
Population: Around 30,000
Popular Suburbs: Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Camlough
Liveability: Newry offers a peaceful setting with access to natural beauty and proximity to larger cities.
Top Industries: The city has a strong logistics and manufacturing sector, along with healthcare opportunities at Daisy Hill Hospital and primary care centres.
Armagh
Population: Approximately 15,000
Popular Suburbs: Killylea, Richhill, Tandragee
Liveability: Armagh is a historic city with a strong sense of community and a lower cost of living.
Top Industries:: Armagh's job market includes healthcare opportunities at the Southern Trust and agriculture-related industries.
Enniskillen
Population: Around 14,000
Popular Suburbs: Irvinestown, Lisnaskea, Ballinamallard
Liveability: Enniskillen offers a serene lakeside setting and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
Top Industries: The city's economy includes sectors like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, with South West Acute Hospital providing medical services.
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Top Cities in Ireland
Interesting Statistics about cities in the Ireland
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Ireland is home to over 500,000 foreign-born residents, accounting for over 10% of the population.
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The Irish economy is heavily reliant on foreign workers, who fill essential roles in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and construction.
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Dublin is the most popular city for foreign professionals to live and work in Ireland.
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Other popular cities for foreign professionals in Ireland include Cork, Galway, and Limerick.
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The most common nationalities of foreign professionals in Ireland are Indian, Polish, Romanian, and Nigerian.
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The average salary for foreign professionals in Ireland is over €60,000 per year.
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Ireland is a popular destination for foreign professionals due to its high quality of life, strong economy, and welcoming culture.
Popular Cities in Ireland
Dublin
Population: Approximately 1.4 million
Popular Suburbs: Malahide, Rathmines, Dun Laoghaire
Liveability: Dublin, the capital of Ireland, offers a mix of historic charm and modernity. It boasts a bustling cultural scene, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving economy. However, it also comes with a higher cost of living compared to other Irish cities.
Top Industries: Dublin's job market is diverse, with significant contributions from the technology, finance, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. Prominent healthcare institutions include St. James's Hospital and Beaumont Hospital.
Cork
Population: Around 210,000
Popular Suburbs: Douglas, Blackrock, Ballincollig
Liveability: Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is known for its friendly atmosphere, cultural richness, and proximity to scenic landscapes, including the stunning coastline. It offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Dublin.
Top Industries: Cork's economy is driven by pharmaceuticals, technology, biotechnology, and healthcare. Cork University Hospital is a major healthcare institution in the city.
Galway
Population: Approximately 80,000
Popular Suburbs: Salthill, Knocknacarra, Renmore
Liveability: Galway offers a vibrant arts scene, a strong sense of community, and easy access to the stunning Irish countryside, including the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park. The city has a lower cost of living compared to larger Irish cities.
Top Industries: Galway's key sectors include education, tourism, healthcare, and technology. University Hospital Galway is a significant healthcare facility in the region.
Limerick
Population: Around 94,000
Popular Suburbs: Castletroy, Dooradoyle, Raheen
Liveability: Limerick, situated along the banks of the River Shannon, offers a mix of history and modernity. It has a growing arts and cultural scene, as well as a lower cost of living compared to major cities like Dublin.
Top Industries: Limerick has a strong presence in pharmaceuticals, technology, and manufacturing. University Hospital Limerick serves as a major healthcare provider.
Waterford
Population: Approximately 54,000
Popular Suburbs: Dunmore East, Tramore, Ferrybank
Liveability: Waterford is Ireland's oldest city and boasts a rich maritime history. It offers a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful coastal areas, and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
Top Industries: Waterford has a growing healthcare sector, with Waterford University Hospital as a key healthcare provider. The city is also known for its pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.
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