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London’s Financial Sector Sees 17% Drop in Job Vacancies

Job vacancies in London’s financial services sector dropped by 17% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This decline is largely attributed to inflation, global economic challenges, and post-Brexit adjustments in Britain.

Mark Astbury, Associate Director at Morgan McKinley, explained that companies are becoming increasingly cautious and focusing more on strategic hires rather than aggressive recruitment.

However, the City of London saw a 7% rise in job vacancies from the previous quarter, driven by growing demand for professionals in regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) projects. This surge highlights the specialized roles companies continue to seek despite broader market slowdowns.

The lingering impact of Brexit continues to affect London’s financial center, with the loss of around 40,000 jobs, a figure recently confirmed by the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

Building Permits Surge In Value And Volume Amid Robust Market Activity

Strong Growth In Permits Reflects Market Confidence

The latest data released by the Statistical Service underscores a notable surge in the number and, more importantly, the value, area, and residential units approved under construction permits during January–October 2025. Compared to the previous year, the total number of permits rose by 9.0%, reaching 6,490 from 5,955 in the corresponding period of 2024.

Significant Increases In Permitted Value And Area

Growth was even more pronounced in financial and spatial indicators. The total value of approved permits rose by 27.7%, while the cumulative construction area expanded by 30.7%. The strongest acceleration was recorded in residential units, which climbed by 33.1%. This pattern suggests renewed investor activity and stable end-user demand, particularly in housing projects.

October 2025: A Snapshot Of Market Momentum

The activity in October 2025 alone was remarkable. During this month, 855 construction permits were issued, encompassing a total value of €447.6 million and covering an aggregate area of 356.2 thousand square meters. These permits are projected to facilitate the development of 1,950 new residential units, further propelling the sector’s expansion.

New Regulatory Framework Elevates Efficiency

The expansion in permits follows notable administrative reforms. Since 1 July 2024, responsibility for issuing building permits has shifted to Regional Government Bodies, while application and approval procedures have been digitized through the Ippodamos information system. The new framework is designed to reduce processing times, increase transparency, and standardize oversight across districts, contributing to smoother project initiation.

Implications for the Construction Sector

Overall, the data indicate a broad-based strengthening of construction activity during the first ten months of the year, with especially strong gains in project value and residential supply. For developers, suppliers, and financial institutions, these signals point to a market environment characterized by confidence and planning. At the macroeconomic level, continued expansion in construction is likely to support employment, related industries, and fiscal revenues, reinforcing its role as a key growth pillar.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
Uol
eCredo

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