Which city is better for employment opportunities overall?

employment opportunities

We’ve all heard the story that the best place to get a job is in London. As it is the capital city of the UK, London will always be a topic of conversation when looking at employment opportunities. 

However, the UK is full of diverse and growing infrastructure, so it would be bold to assume that only London has the employment opportunities you’re looking for.

Let’s look into the numbers on employment opportunities in UK cities. 

What are the largest populated cities in the UK

Have you ever wondered which cities in the UK were the most populated? Let’s look into the numbers, there are some massive urban areas in this country that are bustling with vibrant life and culture. 

It should come as no shock that London takes the top spot with over 8 million people calling it home, and Manchester and Birmingham come in second and third with 2.7 and 2.4 million residents respectively. Glasgow and Liverpool round out the top five with populations of around 600,000 each. 

It’s fascinating to see how each of these cities has a distinct personality and energy, shaped by their unique histories and communities. Why don’t we look at how this can affect employment opportunities?

How does population in a UK city impact employment

The population of a city undoubtedly influences its employment rate, but not necessarily in a straightforward way. 

As more people migrate to a given city, there is a greater demand for goods and services. This can lead to an increase in jobs, especially in industries such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare. However, a growing population can also put pressure on the local economy, leading to greater competition for jobs and potentially resulting in unemployment. 

Ultimately, the impact of population on employment depends on a multitude of factors, including the specific industries and businesses prevalent in the city, the education and skill level of the population, and the government policies in place to support economic growth. Nevertheless, with the right conditions in place, a thriving population can fuel a thriving economy, creating a vibrant and dynamic city with ample opportunities for its workforce.

What are the major cities known for construction work in the UK

When it comes to construction work, the UK is brimming with opportunities and cities that are at the forefront of the industry. Let’s take a look at some of the major ones.

London, with its massive population and skyscrapers galore, is clearly a city that’s always on the move. Manchester, on the other hand, has undergone significant regeneration in the past few decades, making it a hotspot for major projects. 

Next is Birmingham, which is at the heart of the UK’s transport network and has seen rapid growth in recent years. These cities offer a wealth of employment opportunities, from construction management to carpentry, bricklaying, and beyond. So if you’re looking for a career that combines craftsmanship and creativity with practical skills and hard work, these cities might just be the perfect place to start.

Wherever you are, there will be the right job for your skills. Even smaller cities need construction workers and more, so don’t just believe that the bigger cities have it all. There are fantastic opportunities right on your doorstep if you know where to look.

At FBR we focus on finding the right role for the right people. From transferable skills, new career opportunities, or looking to expand and upgrade your current role; our team can help. Dedicated to making sure you get the perfect role for your skills and values is what makes us stand out from the rest. 

Contact our employment experts today. 



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Is being a plumber an easy job? | Everything about working in plumbing

Is being a plumber an easy job?

Plumbers can often be overlooked in the career market. However, they are one of the most valuable trades in all industries. Without a plumber, things can get messy quickly.

So we know that a plumber is an essential trade, but how easy is it? After all, what’s complicated about pipes? A lot. There are far more details that need to be considered than just pipes in plumbing. So let’s look at what a plumber does, the industries within plumbing, and other important aspects you need to know before you step into this career. 

What does a plumber do?

A world without plumbers wouldn’t be pretty. Plumbers are essential in safeguarding the health and wellness of our communities. They are the unsung heroes who ensure that our homes and offices have running water and properly functioning drainage systems. 

Their job description includes everything from fixing broken pipes to installing new fixtures; it’s a pretty hands-on role. Despite the amount of manual labour involved, plumbers are some of the happiest professionals out there. Plumbers get to solve complex problems, work with their hands, and have the satisfaction of knowing that they’ve made someone’s day just a little bit better. 

If you’re looking for a career that has a tangible impact on people’s lives, then being a plumber might just be the perfect fit.

What are the different areas of expertise in plumbing?

Plumbing is an essential service that keeps our homes and buildings running smoothly. It might not be widely known, but there are different areas of expertise within the plumbing industry.

From residential to commercial, plumbing sectors vary greatly in terms of their specific skills and knowledge. Some plumbers specialise in fixing leaky faucets and repairing water heaters, while others focus on designing and installing complex plumbing systems for large commercial buildings. 

What is the average salary for a plumber?

The average salary for a plumber can vary depending on several factors such as:

  • Location
  • Qualifications
  • Experience

However, a typical salary for a plumber would range between £33,827 to £38,800. If you are being recruited through a recruitment agency, they will ensure that the salary that is being offered is in line with industry standards as well as your personal qualities and experiences. 

What qualifications does a plumber need?

While many may not realise, there are several qualifications you will need to become a qualified plumber.

Qualifications such as:

  • Level 1 (NVQ) Certificate Introduction to Plumbing
  • Level 1/2 Diploma in Plumbing Foundation
  • Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering
  • Level 2 (NVQ) Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems
  • Level 2/3 (NVQ) Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating

How is the plumbing industry evolving? 

As technology continues to advance the plumbing industry also experiences an exciting evolution. Innovation is rife, and the plumbing sectors are being revolutionised by pioneering technology, sustainable practices and new training programmes. The importance of sustainability is at the forefront of this transformation, with an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly plumbing solutions and water-saving technology. 

But it’s not just the technology that’s changing. The industry is also embracing a new era of diversity and inclusivity, with a much-needed focus on attracting new talent from underrepresented backgrounds; finally shaking off its reputation as a male-dominated industry. 

Overall, the plumbing industry is quickly becoming unrecognisable from what it was even a decade ago, and it’s an inspiring time to be a part of this dynamic and constantly evolving trade.

If you are looking for a challenge, a change in career or a new company to work for that aligns with your values; FBR can help guide you to your next role. Our experts can find the right role for you, speak to us today. 



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What your recruitment agent should do to help you prep for your interview | Construction interview prep

What your recruitment agent should do to help you prep for your interview

What can recruiters do to help you prepare for an interview in construction? 

Let’s be honest, interviews can be awful. It might be bold of us to say but it’s true, and unfortunately many in our industry like to cover it up. However, what we want to do instead is support you in your interview journey and help make the process easier. After all, that’s what we signed up for as a recruitment agency. We stick by our word when we say we want you to find the best job that suits your skills and ethics. 

Now, part of what we do is help give you the tools to prepare for your interview in any industry but let’s look at construction interview prep. Before we get started there are a few things to note:

1:  We can give you the tools and support you need but we can’t do the interview for you.

2: You will need to put in some work yourself in order to prepare for an interview. 

Now that’s clear, let’s get into construction interview prep!

How to prepare for an interview 

Here is a list of a few key things you will need to do in order to prepare for an interview. Of course speak with your recruiter if you have any questions, but these are things that are typically done independently.

Research the company

One of the most important things you can do is research the company you are having an interview with. Find out what construction projects have been done, how they work, and who they are. This will form the foundation of the next construction interview prep work.

Write your questions down

Next you want to start writing down some questions you want to ask. Think about what you want to know about the company and the role. If you are stuck for questions and don’t know where to start, we have some interview questions you can use to help get you started.

Check your memberships

For many roles in construction you may be required to have certain memberships and qualifications which need to be renewed. Check them before the interview and make sure they are all up to date. Think about your health and safety memberships, CSCS cards, and any licence you might have that need to be renewed or updated. 

How a recruitment agent will help you prepare for an interview

There are a couple of ways a recruiter can help you prepare for your construction role interview. Such as:

Provide feedback 

Recruiters understand and know what the company is looking for, this means that we can provide you with valuable information and feedback relating to your application and own prepwork. 

Highlight missing information

Recruiters should be able to highlight any missing information, whether that is from your application or additional information that is needed to round out your file.

Assist with questions and prep

In recruitment, we know what questions to ask and what can be asked in an interview. Our recruiters can help guide you through this process and help you anticipate what you may be asked during your interview. We are also able to highlight things that shouldn’t be approached, such as questions which can lead to discrimination or other HR nightmares. 

In recruitment we work to ensure that the role that is being advertised is as detailed as possible. We will ensure that you are applying for the right role as well as getting the best offer possible, whether that is negotiating salary and more. 

Here at FBR you can trust our recruitment experts to have your interests at the forefront of our decision making process. Contact our team to see how we can help you find the perfect role for you.



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Recruitment statistics – what’s the truth on the current job market

get down to the truth about the current job market

We’ve all been there, confused between what is fact and fiction when it comes to recruitment statistics. The truth is that the job market is fiercely competitive, and these statistics and figures change on a daily basis. 

We often hear about the negatives, how there aren’t any jobs for people and other comments. However, this isn’t the case. Many industries are struggling to recruit, this is due to the fact that they need such a high volume of workers. 

But enough about these vague notions and comments, let’s get down to the truth about the current job market and what you can do as a candidate to make the most of it.

What is the current UK employment rate?

According to statistics between the ages of 16 – 64 the current employment rate is around 75.8%. The unemployment rate is at a low of 3.8%, so where are the missing numbers? 

We have to factor in that some people are retired before the age of 64, as well as there are some who are unable to work due to health reasons. 

What is the current number of job vacancies? 

In the first three months of 2023, there were 47,000 fewer job openings than the previous quarter. It’s become a bit of a pattern, with a nine-quarter streak of falling vacancies, showing just how uncertain different industries have been. Survey respondents have cited economic pressures as a key factor in declining recruitment.

However, this isn’t a sure sign that everything is going down. After the unease last year relating to increasing interest rates and general banking uncertainty, many employers may have held back during the first quarter of the year. 

What was the growth in salary?

So, let’s break it down. From December 2022 to February 2023, there was a 5.9% increase in an employee’s overall pay, including bonuses, while regular pay growth (excluding bonuses) was 6.6%. 

The private sector saw average regular pay growth of 6.9% during the same period, compared to 5.3% for the public sector. Recently, the gap between these two sectors’ growth rates has narrowed. But that’s not all. When we factor in inflation, real growth in total and regular pay decreased in the year from December 2022 to February 2023. In fact, real total pay fell by 3.0%, which is the largest drop since 2009. 

Because of this employers and recruiters are seeing more “job hopping” than before. It is widely known that one of the ways people have increased their salary is by moving into new job roles. Use that knowledge to your own advantage. 

What does this mean for you?

While some of these numbers might not paint a particularly bright picture, we must remember that these results are only from the first quarter. This period of the year was extremely turbulent for many industries for many different reasons. 

What you can do as a potential candidate is look at these numbers and look at the opportunities you have available. Leveraging salary insights is one way you can ensure to get paid what is expected. A recruitment agent will be there to help ensure you are getting a competitive salary for your role. 

Not only can you use these figures to help benefit your income, but you can also look for ways to upskill and improve. This will make you more valuable as an employee or prospective candidate. 

There is always more to the story than meets the eye, don’t let a small snapshot of a constantly changing market affect your perception. Businesses are recruiting and they want the best talent. 

Speak to our experts today to start a conversation about your next career opportunity.

**All statistics were obtained from the Office for National Statistics and were correct at the time of writing.

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Are all recruitment agents the same?

no recruitment agent is the same

The aged old question we get asked as a recruitment agent, are all recruitment agents the same? Well, simply put, no. Every recruitment agent has their own area of expertise and skills. Didn’t think we were going to say that huh? We get it, our industry is extremely competitive and fierce in its approach at times. Many recruiters may indulge in what some call “trash talk”, but that’s not our style.

The thing is, no recruitment agent is the same so in order to find the best talent you need to work with one that aligns with your own ethos as well as the industry. 

But what else is there that we can debunk? Let’s look into some of the most commonly asked questions that don’t always give recruitment agencies the best reputation. We’re going to try and explain them, or at least offer insight. 

Why do recruitment agents not call back?

Straight for the kidney with that question. We have no explanation for this one, because if you ask any of our agents at FBR we always call back. 

Recruitment agents work in an office, and as everyone knows you can’t be tied to a desk all day. There are meetings, bathroom breaks, and other things that happen. But if we miss a call we always call back. That’s just common courtesy. 

Anyway moving swiftly on. 

Recruiters never recruit new talent 

This is a bit of a faux pas if you ask us. While some recruiters may headhunt previous talent from other roles they placed in the past, it isn’t always ethical to do so. 

It causes many issues for everyone involved. Now, if a past candidate comes across our table and wants a new role; that is a different story. 

The world is full of amazing people with vastly different skills and talents. As a recruitment agent part of the wonder of our industry is making those perfect placements and finding those people. 

Besides, with technology and many roles being able to be remote or hybrid, finding new talent shouldn’t be difficult.

Recruiters send all applications to the hiring manager

What people mean by this is a common misconception that recruitment agents will just pop out and advertise and then send any CV to their clients to book in an interview. 

We can tell you that is absolutely not the case, at least for our own agency. We pride ourselves on our internal vetting process, this means that we view each CV and application as well as speak with the candidates before presenting them to our clients. 

We are experts in our field, and we’ve been doing this for a long time. Sometimes you just know when a candidate is going to work out and be the right one. 

Recruiters only care about commission

This one is false. Do recruitment agencies need to earn money, yes, like everyone in the world, recruiters need to earn a living. However, we don’t just care about commissions. We are here as a guide to help candidates find the right job to suit their requirements, experience, and needs. 

FBR recruitment agents work hard to fully understand what a candidate or company is looking for. This ensures that we are able to find the right match sooner rather than later, which saves everyone time and money. 

Recruiters have access to the same roles as everyone else

Not necessarily true. The way many recruiters work is that companies approach a recruitment agent to help them find a new employee. This means that once a company has agreed to use that recruitment agent then that job is only available via that recruitment agency. 

This means that there are many roles on the market that are exclusive to recruitment agents. Not only that, but in many cases when companies reuse the same recruitment agency, recruiters can begin to prepare for any new role requests. Essentially candidates in their database would be the first to know about any new job opportunities before they hit the market. 

Recruiters only advertise jobs

Again this couldn’t be further from the truth. Recruitment agencies like FBR work to ensure that the job descriptions are accurate and well founded. We also help make sure that any and all candidates have the relevant skills, experience and qualifications before sending applications. 

But most importantly, we make sure that the role is competitive. We check that the salary is in line with expectations as well as ensuring that the candidates are going to be compensated for their own skill level. 

Recruitment agents are the guards that protect candidates and companies. We make sure that candidates are paid what they deserve as well as knowing what they are signing up for. And for companies, recruitment agents save time and money filtering through applications, and guiding companies to employing the best candidates for their company. 

Recruitment is all about people, when you work with the right ones it makes a difference. At FBR we work with construction companies to ensure that they are getting the talent they need. 

If you are looking for a new role, view our jobs board or speak to our agents today. 

Are you a company looking to recruit the best talent? Our team can help you, call our experts now.



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How will artificial intelligence be integrated with blue collar jobs?

How do you think AI will be integrated with blue collar jobs?

How do you think AI will be integrated with blue collar jobs?
Artificial intelligence is making waves across all industries. Understanding how artificial intelligence will affect your blue-collar job is essential. But it’s not the robot uprising many will have you believe. Artificial intelligence can actually make your blue-collar jobs easier and better for your working life.

As the world of construction is constantly evolving, so will technology. Embracing the advancements can prove extremely beneficial for many reasons. Here at FBR, we understand how these advancements can impact jobs and the construction industry. So let’s look into this topic and see how it can affect blue-collar jobs in construction.

What is a blue-collar job?

A blue-collar job is a manual labour position in industry or manufacturing. It typically requires little to no formal education and training. However, there are now many recognised qualifications and safety courses that are required by many employers.

The term “blue collar” was first used in reference to workers in the early 20th century. At that time, many manual jobs were performed by workers who wore blue denim or chambray shirts. Nowadays, blue-collar jobs are still mostly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. But the term has also come to encompass a wide range of other types of work, including:

  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Warehousing
  • Agriculture
  • Mining

Blue-collar jobs are typically defined as manual labour positions. However, they are still extremely important roles within the wider community.

How do you get a blue-collar job?

There are many ways to get a blue-collar job. You can apply directly to companies that hire for these positions, look for job postings online, or go through a staffing agency that connects workers with manufacturers and other industrial businesses.

At FBR, we specialise in finding the right job for the right person, our experience in recruiting for the construction industry puts us at an advantage. We understand the intricacies that revolve around the construction industry and so are perfectly positioned to help you find the right role.

How is artificial intelligence being integrated with blue-collar jobs?

AI is changing the landscape of blue-collar work. Machines are becoming increasingly capable of performing the tasks that have traditionally been done by human workers. This has the potential to increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace while reducing the need for human labour.

Will AI take my job?

It’s a common concern when the talk of Artificial intelligence becomes more common in the workplace. It’s unlikely that AI will completely replace human workers in the near future. Thinking back to the days before calculators, we used to work out figures with a pen and paper. Now we have a calculator to do it for us. Something that was part of our every day was replaced by technology. However, it is likely that AI will change the nature of blue-collar work. Machines will increasingly be used to perform tasks that are currently done by human workers. This could lead to a reduction in the number of jobs available for human workers in those roles. However, this doesn’t mean all is lost. It simply means your work will evolve and move with the technology that is being introduced.

FBR is an extremely experienced recruitment agency based in Hampshire. Our team has vast amounts of experience recruiting for the construction industry. Our focus on finding the right person for the right role is essential for a fast-paced and evolving industry such as construction. Our dedicated EU recruitment specialists can assist you through the whole recruitment process. Contact us now to find the right role and talent.

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