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Job Guide to Living And Working In Bath

Job Guide to Living And Working In Bath

March 29, 2024

Are you thinking about relocating to Bath for work? You’re not alone. Bath is home to around 94,000 people, and it saw a large influx of newcomers during the pandemic. Bath was identified as an attractive alternative to cities like London, as it offered close transport links with the added benefits of lower rental costs and close proximity to areas of natural beauty.

If you’re considering Bath as a potential option for your next move, read on to learn more about this vibrant and historic city. We’ll explore what it’s like to live in this city and the current employment opportunities to consider.

Living and working in Bath

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Somerset, England, Bath is a city renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. With its Roman-built baths, elegant crescents, and lush greenery, Bath offers a unique blend of heritage and modern living. For those considering a move to this charming city, here’s a comprehensive guide to living and working in Bath.

Housing

One of the first considerations when relocating to Bath is finding suitable accommodation. You’ll be spoilt for choice, thanks to the diverse range of housing options, including quaint cottages in the surrounding villages to elegant Georgian townhouses in the city centre. While property prices can be higher compared to some other areas in the UK, there are also affordable rental options available, especially in the suburbs.

Job Guide to Living And Working In Bath CMD Recruitment

Transportation

Bath benefits from excellent transport links, making it easy to navigate both within the city and beyond. The city centre is compact and walkable, with many attractions, shops, and amenities within easy reach. For longer journeys, Bath Spa railway station provides regular services to London, Bristol, and other major cities. Additionally, the city is well-served by local buses and has good road connections to nearby towns and motorways.

Education

Families moving to Bath will find a range of educational opportunities for their children. The city boasts several well-regarded primary and secondary schools, both state-funded and independent. For higher education, the University of Bath is renowned for its academic excellence and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. Bath Spa University is another popular choice for more accessible courses and many vocational career paths.

Employment opportunities

Bath has a diverse economy, with employment opportunities in sectors such as tourism, healthcare, education, and technology. The city is home to a thriving creative industry, with many artists, designers, and craftspeople based here. Additionally, Bath’s proximity to Bristol and other major cities in the South West provides further job prospects for residents. During the pandemic, many people relocated from London to Bath to make the most of the remote work policy. 

Job Guide to Living And Working In Bath CMD Recruitment

Culture and Recreation

Living in Bath means being surrounded by a wealth of cultural and recreational activities. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and historic sites, including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Jane Austen Centre. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, including walking, cycling, and exploring picturesque villages.

Dining and nightlife

Bath boasts a vibrant dining scene, with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and gastro pubs offering cuisine from around the world. Whether you’re craving traditional British fare or exotic international dishes, you’ll find a wide arrange of options to tantalise your taste buds. In the evenings, the city comes alive with a diverse array of bars, pubs, and live music venues, ensuring there’s always something to suit every taste and mood.

Job Guide to Living And Working In Bath CMD Recruitment

What challenges are there for living in Bath?

A lack of affordable housing, transport links and traffic are among the biggest complaints from Bath residents. If you have dreams of buying a home, you might have to set your sights further afield, as house prices in Bath are extremely high.

If you do manage to purchase or rent a property in the city, you might also have to forego owning a car. Traffic and parking in the city are notoriously bad, so you may be better off relying on public transport.

And finally, issues with train strikes and an ageing rail network mean that links to London, Bristol and other key cities might not be as reliable as you would hope. This means you might struggle to maintain a hybrid working arrangement in another city.

Job Guide to Living And Working In Bath CMD Recruitment

What challenges are there for working in Bath?

The job market in the UK is highly competitive, and Bath is no different. The cost of living crisis is leading many employees to stay put in their current roles and make the most of the job security rather than move on to new opportunities.

Employers are offering higher than market salaries in some instances to be able to attract the best talent. These roles will come with high expectations and employers might expect employees to undergo additional training to make the extra investment worthwhile.

The influx of workers from London means there are now more professionals living in the city, but don’t let this dissuade you from applying for roles. Bath falls below the national average for unemployment, which generally means there are fewer candidates going for opportunities. This gives candidates the upper hand when it comes to applying for roles and allows them to use their bargaining position to secure higher wages and better perks. 

Conclusion

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Bath offers an idyllic setting for both living and working. From its charming streets lined with honey-coloured buildings to its thriving arts and culinary scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting city. Whether you’re drawn to its historic landmarks, scenic countryside, or bustling city life, Bath has something to offer residents of all ages and interests.

If you’re looking for work in Bath, you should be aware that unemployment in the city is below the national average. This puts you in an excellent position when it comes to job hunting. If you can fill the skills gap within an organisation, you can expect to be rewarded with a healthy salary and excellent perks. Not to mention, you get to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.

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