West Midlands named Britain’s top county for manufacturing job opportunities

The West Midlands recorded the highest number of advertised manufacturing jobs per working-age adult in the UK, according to analysis by Rencol Components.

The West Midlands recorded 67.6 vacancies per 100,000 adults, nearly three times the national rate.

Northamptonshire followed with 64.2 vacancies, ahead of Shropshire at 61.4, Herefordshire at 53.1, Worcestershire at 49.7 and Derbyshire at 47.5.

Nine of the top 10 counties were in or around the Midlands.

The West Midlands, Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire filled the top eight positions. 

Scotland’s main cities recorded lower rates. 

Edinburgh ranked last at 4.6 manufacturing vacancies per 100,000 working-age adults.

Glasgow recorded 14.5 vacancies, Aberdeen City had 12.3 and Highland had 16.2.