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June 24, 2024
Bath regularly tops lists of the best places to live in the UK. This elegant city is filled with history, heritage, contemporary culture and opportunity. For those looking for work, there’s plenty going on in this world famous destination.
If you’re thinking about relocating for work and want to be near the heart of the action, Bath could be an excellent place to start your search. House rental prices aren’t quite as high as in London, so you’ll have an easier time getting established in the city.
You’ll be able to make the most of the beautiful countryside, while still having access to the contemporary culture on offer. You’ll be within a stone’s throw of the Cotswolds, the Mendip Hills and the winding River Avon.
If you’re curious about what the job market is like in Bath in 2024, read on…
Located in Somerset, just under 100 miles west of London, Bath has grown into a thriving hub of commerce. It is named after its Roman-built baths which still stand to this day. It is known as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Although large parts of the city were flattened during World War II, extensive building work has been carried out since then.
The city is known for its stunning architecture, including famous sites like the Royal Crescent and sprawling greens like the Parade Garden. The city is home to two universities, the University of Bath and Bath Spa University. As such, it is a popular student destination, which means it is also a hub for graduates seeking their first role.
In 2023, the UK unemployment rate was 3.7%. In Bath, this rate was much lower at just 2.4%. The higher cost of living is likely to contribute to the lower than average unemployment rate.
Those living in the city can also command much higher salaries than elsewhere in the UK. Although not as high as London, average salaries in the city of Bath were around £41,200. For the wider Somerset area, average salaries were around £35,100. And in the UK as a whole, the average salary was £42,200.
Industry in Bath was once dominated by the manufacturing sector. It was known for crane manufacturing, furniture making, printing, quarries, dye works, Plasticine manufacturing and brass foundries. Big names in history include Stothert & Pitt, Bath Cabinet Makers and Bath & Portland Stone.
The city later became a major site for Ministry of Defence officers, but this industry has since moved to neighbouring Bristol. These defence buildings have now been sold and converted into apartments.
Today, the city is dominated by publishing, software and the services sector. Companies like Rotork still have their headquarters in the city. Other big employers include The National Health Service, the two universities, and the local council. Large publisher Future plc employs around 650 people alongside other large companies like Buro Happold and IPL Information Processing Limited.
Other sectors that dominate the job market include education, health, retail, tourism and leisure. The services sector is also very popular in Bath and it boasts a strong start-up community thanks to the presence of two universities.
If you’re looking for employment opportunities in Bath, the first step is to connect with a specialist recruitment agency and let them know about your experience, skills and ideal employment opportunity.
You can apply directly to organisations that fit your career objectives, or you can wait for positions to be advertised. With a strong retail and leisure sector, Bath is an ideal place to look for casual and part-time work, which will suit students and recent graduates. This can also help new parents getting back into the workforce.
It also makes sense to be flexible in your search for work. You could look in neighbouring towns like Bristol, Swindon, Salisbury and even London. With hybrid working available, a contract in London could enable you to command a higher salary while enjoying the perks of living in beautiful Bath.
Living and working in Bath will give you access to higher than average salaries and an excellent standard of living. Bath is an affluent town with excellent prospects. It offers close proximity to areas of natural beauty such as the Cotswolds. In short, Bath is an excellent place to start your job search.
When searching for roles, Bath is a hub town that will enable you to expand your search much further afield. If you’re interested in exploring job opportunities in the area, get in touch with our team. We’re hiring for full-time, part-time, permanent and short term contract roles to suit your needs.
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