Demand for UK science professionals increases despite Brexit

Demand for UK life sciences professionals increased by 11% in 2018, despite uncertainty for the sector due to Brexit.

The figures come from business intelligence specialist Vacancysoft, on behalf of the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

The data show that there is a high demand for clinical staff, with vacancies rising to their highest by 37% in 2018.

According to the research, pharmaceutical firms continue to provide the most amount of professional opportunities, though the largest area of growth has been within clinical research organisations, here job openings increased by 25.6%.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Greater London is the fastest growing region with vacancies 43% year-on-year. In the South East, job openings are heavily concentrated, with the region now contributing 35% of scientific roles within the sector.

Companies in the sector driving significant demand include IQVIA and GSK, with vacancies at these firms increasing by 81% and 14% in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Ann Swain, chief executive of APSCo, said: “Despite uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the strength of the UK pharma sector has been thriving over the past year, with clinical vacancies showing extremely positive growth. Global testing volumes are rising due to an ageing population, surplus in management of diseases, and increased access to care. This reason, and the fact that the UK is home to three of the top five universities for pre-clinical, clinical and health sciences explains why there is such a high demand for professionals in this sector.

“The UK has taken strides in the investment of the country’s healthcare industry. With the second Life Sciences Sector Deal and the long-term plan for the NHS secured, we are seeing more companies investing in the UK and creating high-quality, well-paid jobs.”

James Chaplin, CEO of Vacancysoft, added: “Despite the European Medicine Agency’s decision to relocate from London to Amsterdam before the effects of Brexit are triggered, we are experiencing an overall healthy growth in the pharmaceutical sector.

“The rise in clinical vacancies over R&D which is shown in the data may become an industry trend as Immuno-oncology player, Five Prime Therapeutics, announced that it will axe 20% of its workforce and its early-stage R&D in order to focus on its clinical cancer programs. This is backed by GlobalData’s report which revealed that 83% of professionals working in the sector believe that the UK will not be attractive for R&D post-Brexit.”