Vacancysoft & APSCo South Regional Labour Market Trends Report | September 2026

As we look at the South of England’s labour market in 2026, the picture is one of continued growth alongside a clear shift in where demand is coming from. Professional vacancies across the region are forecast to rise by 6.5%, with the South East and South West providing the strongest momentum.

What stands out this year is the growing importance of technology and engineering. Technology vacancies are forecast to increase by 30.4%, while Industrials & Engineering recruitment rises by 22.9%. This change is also visible in the skills employers are seeking, with Engineering and IT Professional vacancies both expanding faster than the wider regional market.