Why not work in… Belfast?
Tim Cook, Managing Director of Hays Construction & Property, reports on the latest employment trends in Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Overview
After years of underinvestment and political differences, Belfast is looking towards a bright future, in part due to increased confidence from businesses and investors. Recently we have seen an influx of construction professionals coming back to the city from England and Dublin to enjoy the construction boom.
As with the rest of the UK, the skills shortage means that experienced employees can dictate higher salary levels and a greater employment package.
What’s going on?
Work is now well underway on the Titanic Quarter, a £1bn regeneration project which is the largest brownfield site in Northern Ireland. It includes the dock where the Titanic was built and the project is scheduled to take up to two decades to complete. Work on the first £100m phase is expected to start shortly.
The Obel is a recent project in Belfast, with a construction cost of £50m. At 29 storeys high, it is Belfast’s tallest building. All the apartments on this project sold out within 48 hours of their release. The development was not only positive for the construction industry, but the speed of purchase highlights the prosperity of the property industry within the region.
There is also a £100m highways project currently underway - the M1, Westlink and M2 scheme is the first to be procured using the Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO). The contract includes the maintenance of the motorway network for a period of 30 years.
Several projects, which are expected to maintain the success of the construction industry remain in the pipeline, including the Northern Ireland Sports Stadium, which has yet to be located.
Good for…
There is a strong demand for construction staff at all levels and across various disciplines. Graduates are finding that they are a particular target for construction companies, who are increasingly seeking links with university students prior to the completion of their degree.
Over the past six years there has been a continued high demand for building and civil engineers. Contracts managers with proven experience of multi site responsibility also remain at a premium.
We recently filled a position for a contracts manager, which required over 15 years of construction experience and the ability to display excellent technical, contractual and communication skills.
This position commanded a salary of £42K plus bonus and benefits. The chosen candidate came from an engineering background with over 22 years of experience and intended to relocate from Scotland.
The area is also good for work / life balance. Due to the relatively low population density and extensive road networks, few people commute for more than 45 minutes each day - not something that can be said in many other cities in the UK.
Bad for…
With two universities in the city, there is a wealth of graduates who are being actively targeted by the construction companies. For those with less then two years' experience, it can be harder to find a suitable role.
The site clerk role is the staple of many sites in the South of Ireland and mainland UK, but it is not a common role in Northern Ireland.
How much would I get paid?
Salaries are increasing throughout the region. The cost of living is considerably less than many other cities throughout the rest of the UK which ensures that salary levels remain competitive.
As with the rest of the UK, the relatively small pool of skilled candidates means that experienced employees can command higher salaries. This has pushed salaries up, particularly in and around the city.
There is a slight concern that a buoyant Dublin market and the Olympic Games will lure people away from the city, but it is likely that this will push salaries up for experienced candidates who chose to stay.
How far would my salary go?
- Price of a pint of Belfast Ale: £2.30
- Meal for two at award-winning Aldens restaurant: £60
- Ticket to a Gaelic football match: under £5
- Average price of a house: £133,359
