A new study has revealed the UK areas where you’re most likely to be employed, with Epsom and Ewell taking the top spot.
Experts at IT service software InvGate analysed data from the Office for National Statistics and the National Records of Scotland to find the population and employment rate per UK local authority in 2023.
The population data was used to calculate the number of working age residents (aged 16-64) per UK area. The local authorities with the highest percentage of employed residents aged 16-64 determined the final ranking.
Epsom and Ewell tops the ranking, with an employment rate of 91.7% for the population aged 16-64. The local authority recorded 65,198 residents aged 16 and above, with 50,357 being working age (aged 16-64) and 46,177 of those being in employment.
In second place is West Oxfordshire, with 90.4% of the working age population being employed. From a total of 98,203 residents aged 16 and above, West Oxfordshire recorded 71,908 aged 16-64 and 65,005 of that figure in employment.
Third in the ranking is Reigate and Banstead, with 90% of residents aged 16-64 being in employment. Reigate and Banstead recorded a population of 124,581 aged 16 and above, 96,548 aged 16-64 (working age) and 86,893 of those being employed.
Newcastle-under-Lyme places fourth, with an employment rate of 89.6% for the population aged 16-64. The local authority recorded 107,524 residents aged 16 and above, with 80,204 being working age (aged 16-64) and 71,863 of those being in employment.
In fifth comes Stroud, with 88% of the working age population being employed. From a total of 103,227 residents aged 16 and above, Stroud recorded 73,789 aged 16-64 and 64,934 of that figure in employment.
Dartford comes in sixth, with 86.4% of residents aged 16-64 being in employment. Dartford recorded a population of 93,216 aged 16 and above, 76,846 aged 16-64 (working age) and 66,395 of those being employed.
Seventh on the list is Tonbridge and Malling, with an employment rate of 86.3% for the population aged 16-64. The local authority recorded 108,119 residents aged 16 and above, with 82,011 being working age (aged 16-64) and 70,775 of those being in employment.
In eighth place is Reading, with 86.1% of the working age population being employed. From a total of 144,336 residents aged 16 and above, Reading recorded 122,588 aged 16-64 and 105,548 of that figure in employment.
Fareham ranks ninth, with 86% of residents aged 16-64 being in employment. Fareham recorded a population of 95,680 aged 16 and above, 66,499 aged 16-64 (working age) and 57,189 of those being employed.
Tying for the tenth spot are Ipswich, Test Valley and Bromsgrove, with an employment rate of 85.9% for the population aged 16-64. Ipswich recorded 87,754 residents aged 16-64, with 75,381 of them being in employment. Test Valley recorded 80,640 working age residents and 69,270 in employment, while Bromsgrove recorded a population of 59,024 aged 16-64 and 50,702 of that figure in employment.
Pendle had the lowest employment rate for residents aged 16-64, at 53%. From a total of 76,417 residents aged 16 and above, Pendle recorded 58,468 aged 16-64, with 30,988 in employment.
Ariel Gesto, CEO of InvGate, said, “Employment opportunities across the UK are more dynamic than ever, with certain regions standing out as hubs of economic growth and job creation.
“Whether it’s thriving industries in major cities or the rise of innovative sectors in emerging areas, the data highlights that where you live can significantly impact your career prospects. This serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of regional investment and adaptability in today’s job market.”
