THE most in-demand jobs for this year have been revealed as research confirms at least half of workers are looking for a new job.
Job hunters will have plenty to choose from as recruitment firm Hays has said the top 10 list will include social workers, quantity surveyors and cyber security managers.
With the average wage in the UK reaching £33,000 a year, job seekers may have a chance to double their salaries by switching to some of the sectors making the list.
The list of the most popular jobs for 2024 is based on demand from employers and job listings across the UK, and the roles included are commanding above-average pay increases.
The list comes as over half of workers (51%) say they intend to look for a new job next year, according to the Hays.
Many of these positions will require formal educational qualifications and training as well as evidence of required skills.
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But Hays predicts the jobs will also command above-average pay.
Qualified social workers continue to be in demand due to the increased and complex care needs across the UK, said Hays.
The average salary for a social worker in the UK is around £32,000 a year although you will be expected to have a least two years experience to reach this rate.
Other popular roles include cyber security managers as organisations look to keep the threat of cyber-attacks at bay, energy/carbon managers, accountants and special educational needs teaching assistants.
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The highest paying jobs on the list are cyber security managers (with an average salary of almost £84,000) and engineering project managers (£61,750).
As the focus on sustainability grows – energy/carbon managers are an essential cog for organisations looking to make progress towards net zero.
Energy/carbon manager ranked five on the list with an average salary of £61,550 a year.
Supplier relationship manager just about made it onto the list and the role boasts an average salary of £58,600.
Schools desperately need experienced Special Education Needs (Sen) teachers, they earn £23,000 a year on average.
Those in construction should note quantity surveyor is the most in-demand role in the sector.
A quantity surveyor can earn an average of £51,000 at an intermediate level.
Demand for accountants has continued and newly-qualified accountants can earn an average of £49,458 in large organisations.
Simon Winfield, chief executive of Hays, said: “As we head into the new year, despite economic challenges, there remains just shy of one million unfilled jobs in the UK, leaving lots of opportunity for those who want to make their next career move.
“The roles featured on our list are at the top of employers’ wish lists up and down the country as many struggle not only to attract staff but also to retain them due to high competition for skills.
“If you’re thinking about a move in 2024, it’s good news as employers are much more willing to hire based on skills and aptitude, rather than just experience and qualifications.
“When applying for roles and in an interview setting, make sure to highlight the skills you’ve gained and how you might develop them further – it doesn’t matter if you can’t tick every box on a job description.”
The average wage in the UK in the last tax year was around £33,000 but workers across the board are set to get a pay boost in 2024.
Those in lower-paying positions are also in for a pay rise this year, as the national living wage will rise by £1.02 to £11.44 from April.
For the first time, this policy will be extended to cover workers aged 21 and over for the first time rather than 23 and over.
It means the lowest paid will receive a boost of £1,800 a year.
The key to a good CV
The first impression your potential employer will get of you is from the layout of your CV, so be sure to make yours stand out.
It should be clear to read, with appropriate headers and in a decent-sized font.
You should also avoid “fun” fonts such as Comic Sans as they’re harder to read and aren’t very professional.
Only ever use words that are work-appropriate when applying for a professional role.
Plus, it goes without saying that your CV should be clear of typos and grammatical errors.
For more CV tips from recruitment experts, check our guide.
We have also looked at the best paying office jobs that you don’t need a degree to do.
As well as the highest-paid roles that are not based in an office.
Plus, the best-paying flexible jobs that don’t need a degree.
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