21 Feb 2025
Statista said more than 100,000 Nepalese were residing in the UK in 2024. In recent years, migrants in the UK are facing shifting job market trends. While sectors like healthcare and hospitality offer various opportunities, the overall job market has become more competitive due to a steady decline in vacancies. This has made it crucial for workers to focus on improving their skills and exploring high-demand roles. For many Nepalese migrants, securing stable employment is not just about a brighter future; it’s also about supporting families back home. For many people, sending money to Nepal is a priority, and a steady income is crucial.
This article will discuss the current job trends, sectors offering opportunities, and strategies for Nepalese workers to succeed in the UK’s evolving job market. It provides practical guidance to navigating the application process and securing employment.
Foreign-born workers, including those from Nepal, comprise a substantial part of the labor force in the UK. In the first quarter of 2024, 6.8 million foreign-born people were employed, constituting over 20% of the workforce. Migrants are most welcomed in healthcare, hospitality, construction, agriculture, etc.
Nepalese workers contribute significantly to these sectors, helping maintain the UK’s economy while recovering from the decline during the global pandemic. However, decreasing job vacancies means the competition for roles is stronger than ever.
From June to August 2024, the number of job vacancies in the UK fell by 42,000, bringing the total to 857,000 openings. This marks the 26th quarter in a row where job vacancies have decreased. The main reasons for this decline include economic uncertainties, such as ongoing inflation and the effects of Brexit. As a result, employers are becoming more cautious about hiring, which could lead to fewer opportunities for the job seekers.
Despite the drop in vacancies, it’s important to note that there are still more job openings than before the pandemic. Sectors like construction, hospitality, and retail, which traditionally rely on migrant workers, continue to offer jobs at a slower pace.
Despite the decline in vacancies, specific sectors remain reliant on foreign labor. For Nepalese migrants, focusing on these areas can increase the likelihood of finding the stable employment:
Healthcare faces significant staff shortages, especially nurses, caregivers, and healthcare assistants. Recent recruitment drives have targeted foreign workers to fill these critical vacancies. Many Nepalese migrants with a background in the healthcare can find better opportunities in hospitals, care homes, and private clinics. These roles offer not only stable employment but also the competitive wages, making it easy to send money online to Nepal.
While the hospitality and retail sectors have seen a reduction within the job vacancies, these industries still rely heavily on the migrant workers. Many Nepalese migrants work in restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets. Despite the challenges, these roles are still available and offer a gateway to build work experience in the UK.
The construction industry, which has long been a staple for migrant workers, continues to offer employment opportunities, especially within urban areas such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Nepalese migrants skilled in trades such as plumbing, electrical, and carpentry can find work in the UK. Infrastructure projects still require labor, and workers' demand remains stable.
The logistics sector has seen significant growth in recent years due to the rise of e-commerce and online shopping. Companies like Amazon and DHL require a constant stream of workers within their warehouses. For Nepalese migrants who may not have yet received the advanced qualifications, warehousing jobs offer a reliable source of income. Roles such as warehouse operators, delivery drivers, and logistics coordinators are in higher demand.
The IT sector remains one of the UK's fastest-growing industries, and demand for skilled professionals is continuously rising. Nepalese migrants with experience in software development, web design, and digital marketing can explore job opportunities within the tech industry. Due to advancements in technology in every field, these roles tend to offer higher salaries and are less affected by the overall reduction in vacancies compared to other sectors.
One positive trend in the job market of UK in 2024 is the steady growth in wages. From May to July 2024, regular pay (excluding bonuses) rose by 5.1% compared to the previous year, while public sector pay increased by 5.7%. This wage growth shows a broader effort to attract workers during the economic recovery, especially with the rising inflation.
Industries like healthcare and IT are known for offering some of the highest salaries. On the other hand, sectors such as hospitality and retail are experiencing slower wage growth, but they still offer essential job opportunities even for migrants seeking the entry-level positions.
The UK job market, while offering opportunities, can be a complex landscape for anyone to navigate. Expats, in particular, often face unique hurdles as they seek to establish themselves professionally. From visa requirements to cultural adjustments, the path to career success can be challenging. The following are the significant challenges for the expats in the UK’s job market.
As vacancies continue to decline, Nepalese migrants might face increased competition. To stand out, workers must improve their qualifications and learn in-demand skills. Obtaining certifications, such as those related to healthcare or IT, can enhance a migrant’s employability opportunities.
Another challenge is passing through the UK's complex immigration system. The UK uses a points-based immigration system, favoring skilled workers, which might make it harder for low-skilled migrants to obtain their work permits. Nepalese workers looking to enter high-demand fields like healthcare and tech will find the visa process easier than those seeking roles in low-skilled sectors.
Under this system, applicants must meet specific criteria to gain points, which include having a job offer from an approved employer, meeting a specific salary threshold, and possessing the required skills for the job. This system is designed to attract skilled workers to the UK, particularly in sectors with shortages.
Keeping the job market trends in mind can help Nepalese migrants find success in the UK. By focusing on high-demand jobs and improving their skills, they can increase their chances of landing stable work. A steady income is essential for supporting families back home. To easily make an online money transfer to Nepal, consider using ACE Money Transfer. This reliable service ensures your funds reach your loved ones quickly and securely, helping you stay connected with them. This financial stability can contribute to building a brighter future for both themselves and their families.
Developing skills in technology, healthcare, and communication can enhance the employability.
Challenges might include language barriers, unfamiliarity with the UK work culture, higher living costs, and difficulty navigating the visa application process.
To obtain a work visa, migrants must apply through the visa system in the government of the UK. They must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor from the employer in the UK and meet specific skills and their salary requirements.
Brexit has led to changes in immigration rules, making it more complex for new immigrants to enter the UK.
Networking, attending job fairs, and utilizing online job platforms might help. Customizing your CVs and cover letters is essential to enhance the chance to get the job.
