- Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of job listings in the IT and Telecoms sector are remote?
- Which sector has the highest average salary for remote positions?
- What is the remote job availability in the hospitality sector?
- Which UK city has seen the highest increase in remote job searches since 2018?
- What are some benefits of remote work for companies?
A recent survey has shown that most Brits prefer to continue working remotely rather than returning to the office. With the ongoing struggle to balance professional responsibilities and personal life, it’s clear why many employees value the flexibility that remote work offers. This shift in preference highlights a growing desire for work-life harmony in today’s fast-paced environment.
More and more people are embracing careers in fields that embrace flexibility, offering options like remote work, four-day workweeks, and hybrid roles. This shift towards adaptable work structures allows individuals to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.
January and February are prime months for both job seekers and employers, making it an ideal time to explore new opportunities. To help those uncertain about which sectors to target, our study examines job listings from January 2022 in the UK, highlighting the most rapidly growing remote job sectors.
In our study, we ranked various sectors based on the percentage of remote roles available. Additionally, we explored key factors like the proportion of part-time remote jobs, average salaries, and the UK cities experiencing the greatest surge in demand for remote work opportunities.
The most progressively remote sectors
Leading the way in remote job opportunities is the IT and Telecoms sector, where nearly a quarter of all listed positions (23%) are remote. This predominantly virtual industry not only tops the chart for remote roles but also ranks second overall for the total number of job listings, highlighting its potential for further growth and opportunity.
The ‘Media, Digital & Creative’ sector stands out as the second most progressive field, with 18% of job roles being remote—equating to one in five positions. If you’re looking for a remote opportunity that offers competitive pay, this sector is particularly attractive, boasting an average salary of £34,913.33, which ranks as the 7th highest among all industries.
Close behind in third, with 16% of remote roles listed,is the ‘Charity’ sector.
The least likely to ‘go remote’
It’s important to recognize that certain jobs simply cannot be performed remotely. The low percentage of remote positions in this sector is primarily due to its hands-on nature, which requires a physical presence to get the work done effectively.
This trend is particularly evident in the hospitality sector, where a mere 0.4% of jobs are available as remote positions. However, there is a bright side for job seekers seeking flexibility: the hospitality industry boasts the highest proportion of remote part-time roles, making up 57% of all remote listings.
In the catering sector, the manufacturing and motoring industries are close behind when it comes to limited remote work opportunities. Both sectors provide less than 1% of their jobs with the option to work from home, making them some of the least flexible fields for remote employment.
Top demand for remote work: UK hotspots
In addition to examining the job sectors with the highest levels of remote work, we’ve pinpointed the UK cities that have seen the greatest increase in demand from potential applicants for remote positions over the past three years (comparing 2018 to 2021).
Swansea, a vibrant Welsh city, has emerged as a top destination for remote job seekers, with a staggering 1,575% increase in searches since 2018. Whether individuals are striving for a healthier work-life balance or dreaming of working against the backdrop of sandy beaches or breathtaking mountains, Swansea is capturing their attention like never before.
After Swansea, Leicester has experienced the most significant surge in remote job searches, skyrocketing by an impressive 1,239%. This remarkable increase positions Leicester as the leading city in England for remote job seekers.
Birmingham, England’s second-largest city, has experienced a remarkable surge, boasting the third-highest increase at an impressive 971%. It is closely followed by Northampton, which saw a 783% rise, and Leeds, with a 766% increase.
Glasgow leads the way in Scotland for remote job seekers, with searches skyrocketing by 376% since 2018. Meanwhile, Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, follows closely behind, experiencing a remarkable 310% increase in remote job applications.
The benefits of ‘going remote’
The surge in remote work offers significant advantages for employees and empowers companies to tap into a global talent pool. Our corporate English training and business English courses equip your remote team with essential language skills, helping to eliminate communication barriers in the virtual workplace. Embrace the future of work with confidence!
If you’re looking to learn English or thinking about switching industries, our study aims to help you identify the most promising sectors to explore.
After identifying the sector where you envision a thriving career, determining the educational subjects that will set you apart from other candidates becomes a straightforward task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of job listings in the IT and Telecoms sector are remote?
Nearly a quarter of all listed positions (23%) in the IT and Telecoms sector are remote.
Which sector has the highest average salary for remote positions?
The ‘Media, Digital & Creative’ sector has the highest average salary for remote positions at £34,913.33.
What is the remote job availability in the hospitality sector?
The hospitality sector has a mere 0.4% of jobs available as remote positions.
Which UK city has seen the highest increase in remote job searches since 2018?
Swansea has seen the highest increase in remote job searches, with a staggering 1,575% rise since 2018.
What are some benefits of remote work for companies?
Remote work allows companies to tap into a global talent pool and can enhance employee satisfaction and work-life balance.
