Portsmouth ranks among the UK’s cities with strong job vacancies per resident

Looking for a new job? This south coast city offers more job openings per person than many larger urban centers.

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.

Portsmouth ranks 24th in the UK, with 1,107.46 vacancies per 10,000 residents. While not at the very top, this still puts Portsmouth ahead of many larger cities, showing that regional centers can offer strong opportunities relative to their population.

Portsmouth’s economy is diverse, covering sectors including maritime, defense, logistics, healthcare, retail, and professional services. Its strong naval and industrial heritage supports a range of employers, while the city’s coastal location and university presence contribute to a vibrant job market.

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: