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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.
Manufacturing & technology
Manufacturing is all about making things – from biscuits and textiles to electronics and high-tech machinery. It also includes researching and developing new products, as well as running services such as purchasing.
Recently, the sector has moved towards using digital technology like artificial intelligence, automation and robotics. The need to make sustainable and low carbon products (including electricity) means that manufacturing is a vital sector to the modern economy.
Example careers
Mechanical engineers, tool makers, plant operatives, electrical engineers, packers.
NHS, medical research & social care
Jobs in this sector are all about looking after people. There are hundreds of different types of jobs in health and social care. Some of these may be involved in researching new vaccines, treating medical conditions, or supporting people with day-to-day living needs caused by disabilities, illnesses or difficult life situations.
This sector covers jobs in the NHS and private hospitals, research laboratories, care homes, nursing homes and day care.
Example careers
Anatomical pathology technician, social worker, doctor (GP), district nurse, surgeon, support worker
Logistics & e-commerce
The logistics industry gets products from one place to another safely and on time. It’s extremely important when you buy things online and includes tracking, warehousing and delivery.
E-commerce (buying things online) has become more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most businesses have created ways to make money online by launching new subscriptions or home delivery services. Joining the logistics and e-commerce sector means helping to keep all these online businesses flow smoothly.
Example careersLogistics supervisor, supply chain manager, flows manager, sales assistant, franchise owner, marketing executive, visual merchandiser, buyer, distribution manager.
Example careers
Graphic designer, digital marketer, animator, cyber intelligence officer, software developer, CAD technician, website developer
Business, finance & professional services
This is a very wide-ranging sector. It covers a huge variety of jobs which support businesses to run and grow.
It includes things like banking, legal and HR. It also covers services that help companies become more efficient and reduce costs. The sector is quickly becoming more digital, especially in financial technology (FinTech).
Example careers
Accountant, solicitor, sales representative, recruitment consultant, financial advisor, HR manager, investment consultant, business development manager.
Green Industries
Green industries is a huge growth sector, with lots of job opportunities. The vision for Greater Manchester to be ‘carbon neutral by 2038’ means this is only going to increase over the coming years.
The jobs in this sector are extremely varied. They focus on things like improving the energy efficiency of homes, low carbon transport, creating clean energy locally, increasing biodiversity and protecting nature. In time, all jobs will move towards being ‘green jobs’. Key employers in this sector are construction companies, universities or research companies and electricity and water utility companies.
Example careers
Electrical engineer, smart meter installer, project manager, architect, roofer.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority publishes job markets data and insights. Please see Spring 2025 quarterly data:
