Legal vacancies rise by 9% month-on-month

Vacancies for legal professionals across the North West have risen by 9% month-on-month, with particular demand for residential conveyancing experts.

That’s according to new survey data from specialist recruiter, Clayton Legal. The firm believes the rise in advertised positions can largely be attributed to increased numbers of workers relocating to the North West, where business activity grew at the fastest rate for nine months during October. This, in turn, has boosted demand within the residential housing market as workers seek to buy or rent property.

The survey, which was compiled based on the recruiter’s comprehensive data on advertised roles, also reveals that there has been increased demand for commercial conveyancing paralegals, demonstrating growth across the whole of the North West property market.

Commenting on the results of the data, Lynn Sedgwick, Managing Director at Clayton Legal said:

“Our findings reflect those of the latest Lloyds Bank Regional PMI report, which indicates that business activity in the North West is the second highest of all UK regions. It is also the largest regional economy outside of London and the South East. Manchester, in particular, has seen the biggest rise in the number of new businesses anywhere outside Greater London, with some reports suggesting growth is as much as 58%.

“With continued investment in North West infrastructure projects, such as the Northern Powerhouse and Airport City Manchester, we will see more and more businesses investing in the area and increased interest from job seekers.

“Consequently, the North West is becoming an increasingly attractive place for both prospective employees and business owners who are looking to relocate from elsewhere in the country. And, as a result, we expect the demand for both commercial and residential property experts to continue as we approach the New Year.

 “With this mobility in mind, firms in the region must ensure that they offer competitive relocation packages if they are to attract the right people.”