Belfast ranks near the bottom for UK job vacancies per resident

Looking for a job can be stressful. Sending out applications, waiting for responses, and trying to figure out where your skills are needed can take a lot out of anyone. For many people, knowing which towns or cities are actually hiring makes that process a little easier. A new study shows that some smaller towns are currently offering far more job opportunities per resident than many of the UK’s bigger cities, which could make a real difference if you are thinking about your next move.

The research was carried out by Davies & Associates, who used job listings from Glassdoor and compared the number of positions in each city with the size of its population. This way, the study looks at vacancies per 10,000 residents, showing which places really have the most openings for the people living there rather than just counting total jobs.

Belfast ranks 53rd in the UK, with 124.93 vacancies per 10,000 residents. While the city has a range of industries, including public services, technology, finance, and retail, the number of openings per person is lower than almost every other UK city in the study. For comparison, the top city, Chichester, has more than 6,600 vacancies per 10,000 residents.

Speaking about the UK job market, Mark Davies, analyst at Davies & Associates, said:

Looking for a job in the UK can feel tough right now. Some sectors have a steady stream of vacancies, particularly areas like tech, healthcare, and logistics, while others are moving much more slowly. That means what’s available really depends on the type of work you’re after. It’s not always obvious where the demand is, and it can be frustrating to see roles concentrated in places or industries you hadn’t considered before.

It’s easy to feel under pressure when you’re sending out applications and waiting to hear back. Many people experience that sense of uncertainty, wondering if they’ll ever get a reply or if the role is already gone by the time they apply. The process can be draining, and it’s not just about skills or experience, sometimes it’s about timing, location, and knowing which employers are actually looking for staff right now.

On the positive side, there are still plenty of places where employers are desperate for staff. If you’re willing to be flexible, whether that’s moving a bit further afield, looking at different sectors, or being open to roles you hadn’t thought about, you can find opportunities that really suit you. Some of the best openings aren’t in the biggest cities, and taking a broader view can make a real difference in how quickly you find a role that works.

Listof the UK areas with the most job vacancies: