Indeed Opportunity Index: The roles shaping the UK jobs market in 2026

• Skilled trades and construction roles feature prominently in the Opportunity Index, reflecting sustained demand driven by infrastructure investment, tighter safety standards and continued housebuilding ambitions
• Health, wellbeing and care-focused roles dominate the top of the index, underlining the growing importance of human-centred work that cannot be automated
• Specialist technology roles, including machine learning and senior software positions, continue to offer strong opportunity as employers prioritise expertise over broad tech hiring
• Sustainability-linked roles are increasingly represented, mirroring the UK’s push towards clean energy, retrofitting and longer-term net zero goals
• The Opportunity Index highlights the breadth of opportunity across the labour market, spanning public services, hands-on trades and high-skill professional roles rather than a single dominant sector

Hiring platform Indeed has released its Opportunity Index for 2026, highlighting the roles that are emerging at the centre of the UK labour market this year based on factors such as postings, flexibility and wage growth. The index reflects how wider economic, social and technological shifts are influencing where opportunity is appearing, from continued demand for skilled trades and essential services to the growing importance of sustainability and specialist technology roles.

Spanning fields such as technology, healthcare, education and construction, the jobs reflect how the UK economy is evolving, and where employers are actively hiring. 

Pilates Instructor tops the list, reflecting the significant growth of the health and wellbeing industry over the past several years, while Principal Software Engineer and Traffic Manager closely following, placing second and third, showing the diversity of in-demand skills.

Human Skills Remain in Demand

Roles rooted in personal connection, wellbeing and trust are increasingly commanding competitive pay. Positions such as Pilates instructor, dance instructor, dental hygienist and practice nurse highlight growing demand for professionals whose value lies in expertise that cannot be automated. 

As employers and consumers place greater emphasis on health and quality of life, these results show how even in the age of tech, human-centred roles are remaining in-demand as workers put their health and wellbeing first.

The Continued Rise of Skilled Trades

Trades and practical roles remain a cornerstone of the UK economy and their value is rising. Careers including fire stopper, HGV technician, plumbing engineer, and building inspector reflect sustained demand driven by infrastructure investment and tighter safety regulations. With fewer entrants and increasing complexity, these roles offer strong job security, competitive pay and long-term resilience, making skilled trades an increasingly strategic career choice heading into 2026. 

In the UK, this demand is being reinforced by current policy and regulatory developments. For example, the government set out plans to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029, alongside continued investment in areas such as transport and utilities. Meeting these ambitions is increasing the need for skilled, accountable professionals on site, particularly in roles that support compliance, safety and the long-term performance of the built environment.

Tech Roles Evolve, With Machine Learning Driving Demand

While technology continues to shape the labour market, demand is concentrating around high-impact, specialist roles. Machine learning engineer and principal software engineer stand out as employers seek professionals who can translate data and automation into real business outcomes. Rather than broad tech hiring, the market is rewarding deep technical expertise, particularly in areas linked to AI adoption, productivity gains and decision-making at scale.

Sustainability Is Shaping Career Opportunity

The transition to a greener economy is translating into tangible job growth. Roles such as ‘renewable energy engineer’ underline how sustainability is no longer a niche sector but a core driver of employment. As the UK accelerates investment in clean energy, retrofitting and environmental regulation, careers tied to sustainability are offering both stability and long-term progression into 2026 and beyond.

This trend also aligns with the UK’s longer term green ambitions, including its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and recent government plans such as the establishment of Great British Energy to drive investment and jobs across the clean energy economy.