Manchester hiring growth outpaces London, Robert Half data shows

Hiring growth across Manchester’s professional services market outpaced London between March and April, according to new data from recruitment consultancy Robert Half, as employers in the North West increased recruitment activity across specialist and technical roles.

Robert Half said the number of professional roles added in Manchester rose by 21% month-on-month in April, compared with 17% growth in London, reflecting what the firm described as growing employer confidence and a strengthening regional talent market.

The data suggested businesses are increasingly prioritising recruitment in areas including business intelligence and data analysis, compliance, digital transformation, software development and testing, alongside office support, marketing and human resources.

Robert Half said the increase aligns with broader regional growth ambitions and reflects continued investment in skilled talent capable of supporting long-term business transformation and future capability building.

Catherine Henry, branch director Manchester at Robert Half, said: “Manchester’s hiring recovery is showing clear signs of renewed momentum and alongside the regional growth agenda, employers are becoming more confident about hiring again.

“We’re seeing businesses investing in specialised talent that creates real, lasting value: roles in technology, compliance and transformation that not only future proof organisations but open up rewarding career pathways for skilled professionals across the region.

“Manchester has always been a city of ambition and the pace of hiring right now reflects that.”