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Labour Market Information (LMI)
What is LMI and why is it important?
- LMI helps provide data, statistics and predictions about present and future trends in the workplace.
- We need LMI to identify future trends – which types of businesses are doing well or failing (growth areas)
- To provide information about job vacancies and types of vacancies (local/national)
- To clarify the skills gaps and qualifications required by employers.
- LMI is important because labour movement can affect relocation, immigration and emigration as people move in, out and around the country.
- Population – affected by number of workers reaching employment and retirement age .
- New developments – e.g. Co-op Live and Bee Network • Government policies – e.g. Devolution and the Northern Powerhouse.
- New technology – advances in technology creating new job roles e.g. development of the Social Media Co-Ordinator.
Greater Manchester Labour Market Growth and Employment Trends:
Job Growth: Between 2018 and 2023, Greater Manchester added over 114,000 jobs, surpassing the national average growth rate. Projections indicate an additional 59,572 jobs by 2028, particularly in sectors like information and communication, accommodation and food services, construction, and manufacturing.
Economic Inactivity and the MBacc:
Approximately 25% of individuals aged 16–64 in Manchester are economically inactive, higher than the UK average. Many rely on out-of-work benefits, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce inactivity. This has triggered a response by Mayor Andy Burham to educate young people and has driven the MBacc Programme. Launched in September 2024, the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) aims to align education with local economic needs. The first graduates are expected in 2025. The region will see an increase in Apprenticeships in engineering, construction and green technologies.
Skills Shortages and Sectoral Gaps:
- Construction: Urgent demand for retrofitting skills to meet net-zero targets.
- Manufacturing: Shortages in energy efficiency, waste management, and automation roles.
- Health & Social Care: Particularly in mental health nursing and teaching assistants.
- Education: High demand for STEM and digital skills educators.
- Logistics: Need for roles in automation, transport planning, and maintenance.
Digital, creative & media
Digital skills are needed in almost all jobs. The digital, creative and media sector is very resilient. It includes industries like TV, advertising, telecoms, computer games and programming.
This sector is thriving in Greater Manchester, with major businesses working in cyber security, e-commerce (online shopping) and media.
Example careers
Graphic designer, digital marketer, animator, cyber intelligence officer, software developer, CAD technician, website developer
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority publishes job markets data and insights. Please see Spring 2025 quarterly data:
