The recovery of the UK economy paired with skills shortages in just about every sector means that multilingual candidates in the UK are now more in demand than ever before. Add to that the fact that 1.3 million overseas workers have left the UK over the last year and it’s clear to see why workers who speak foreign languages in the UK are now worth their weight in gold. 

A massive recovery of jobs

The latest Labour Market Outlook Survey from the CIPD has found that all sectors are currently experiencing a massive recovery in jobs with prospects on the rise. The latest survey, which canvassed more than 1,000 UK employers, found that optimism in the second quarter (Q2) of 2021 was soaring among employers, with hiring intentions having increased by over 100% when compared with Q1. 

As a result of the increased demand, there was also good but still modest news on pay, with salaries expected to rise by between 1% and 2% over the next year. However, the top candidates, and particularly those with language skills, could expect to see their pay rise far more than that given the skills shortages in many industries and the loss of so many talented multilingual candidates.

Overseas workers pack their bags

The combination of the coronavirus pandemic and the UK’s decision to leave the EU has led to an unprecedented exodus of foreign workers. A study by the Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence has found that more than 1.3 million overseas workers have left the UK over the last year, with almost 700,000 having vacated London alone.

A litany of mistakes meant that the UK performed badly in both economic and health terms during the first wave of the pandemic. That left many migrants with a simple decision to make: either to stay in the UK with no job, expensive accommodation and a higher risk of catching COVID; or to return home to family, with lower costs and a reduced risk of catching COVID. 

Another survey found that one in 10 EU nationals currently living in the UK are considering leaving after 30 June, which is the deadline for applications to remain in the country post-Brexit. Common reasons cited for choosing to leave the UK include a lack of trust in the government and the sense that the UK is a less welcoming place than it used to be.

A perfect storm for multilingual candidates

Nine out of 10 employers say that they rely on their workforce to have language skills other than English. The majority (56%) also said that they felt their foreign language needs have increased over the last five years and will continue to do so. 

While the recovery of jobs and the exodus of EU workers does not bode well for employers trying to fill their skills gaps, it is excellent news for multilingual candidates who intend to stay in the UK. Their stock has never been higher, and with language skills more in demand than ever before, a rise in the pay packages for foreign nationals with fluent English is inevitable. 

Find well-paid bilingual jobs in the UK

At Linguistica Recruitment, we can help you find rewarding and well-paid bilingual jobs in the UK. Call 02392 987 765 or email info@linguistica-recruitment.com to discuss your requirements or submit your CV today.