Leeds continues to be one of the UK's premier destinations for professionals, maintaining its reputation as a leading business centre in the north of England. This diverse Yorkshire city remains an economic powerhouse and offers expats the opportunity to work in a thriving job market and enjoy an excellent quality of life. In fact, Leeds' economy spans multiple industries, including manufacturing, engineering, medical, technology, research, and more. More recently, innovative initiatives like fintech and data analytics have also penetrated the city's economy. Â
Why Leeds is a good place for work
Leeds has a developed and diversified economy, mainly driven by the services sector. The city is home to many banking and financial institutions, as well as insurance companies, which are among the leading employers. Across Leeds, you will also find job opportunities in airline and construction companies, real estate agencies and head offices of multinational companies, like First Direct.
The city even has its own airport for international and regional flights.
Better yet, Leeds' economic growth is set to over the next three years, according to EY's latest Regional Economic Forecast, which unsurprisingly makes it an increasingly attractive destination for career-focused expats. The city maintains a healthy unemployment rate of just 2.9%, which is 1% lower than the England average, indicating a robust job market.
Currently, are in employment, reflecting the city's strong employment landscape. Around a quarter of a million people are employed in the financial and professional sector in the Leeds City Region, with an output valued at £13 billion per year.
While Leeds remains the UK's third largest manufacturing centre with around 1,800 firms and 39,000 employees, the modern economy is increasingly driven by financial services, fintech, data analytics, and data technologies.
The biggest employers in Leeds
Some of the biggest employers in Leeds are:
- the supermarket company ASDA;
- low-cost airline Jet2, founded in Leeds;
- Ernst & Young;
- Channel 4;
- The Leeds Cancer Centre, situated in St James's University Hospital.
If you want to work in higher education, the long-standing University of Leeds, a member of the Russell Group, is among the top 100 in the world and within the top 50 most international universities globally. University of Leeds staff members benefit from a 25-day annual leave and an extra 15 days off for public holidays and days when the university is closed.
In addition, the university encourages work–life balance, offering flexible working arrangements and generous maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Besides, the university has its own childcare centre for the children of students and staff members.
Leeds can be an excellent choice if you have the skills that match the city's major economic sectors. Even if you don't, Leeds is a strong economic power, so finding a job there will be much easier than in smaller northern or southern cities.
You can start by searching online or ringing recruiters and contacting the companies you wish to work for. It is best to conduct your job search before arriving in Leeds. However, having a local address can help you secure a job more quickly.
Good to know:
The now multinational retailer Marks & Spencer appeared in Leeds for the first time more than a century ago when the Jewish immigrant Michael Marks became the owner of a stall in Leeds' Kirkgate Market.
How to find a job in Leeds
Finding a job while living in Leeds is made easier thanks to a combination of online platforms, local resources and networking. The city offers multiple pathways for job seekers, whether you're a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or looking for part-time work.
Online job vacancies in Leeds
Online job boards form the backbone of most job searches here, with serving as a popular platform for Leeds-based positions. also has a dedicated Leeds section, while Fish4jobs specialises in both full- and part-time jobs in the city.
If you work in logistics and transport, offers targeted opportunities and the government's provides official listings. Students and graduates should explore from the University of Leeds.
Leeds Employment Hub and community hubs
Otherwise, local resources provide invaluable face-to-face support that online sites can't match. The offers free assistance with job searching, CV writing, and even interview preparation. There are also community hubs throughout Leeds that provide similar services, along with training advice.
The also serves as a great resource for current students and alumni, as it offers specialised career guidance and job opportunities.
Recruitment agencies
Going via a recruitment agency can unlock the hidden job market by connecting you with opportunities that aren't publicly advertised. These companies often have established relationships with local employers and can provide insights into company culture and specific role requirements.
Useful links:
Everyday life in Leeds
Thanks to Leeds' vibrant culture, nightlife and professional opportunities at all levels, the city is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates seeking work in England.
To start with, Leeds is a university city—home to and —with many international students studying at either. The latter is part of the Russell Group and is one of the top universities in England overall.
Despite this, as the city is located in the north of England, it's much cheaper to live in Leeds than in London. You still, however, get to enjoy a city that's as equally diverse as the country's capital. Despite being a smaller place, Leeds is home to over 170+ nationalities—including Indian, Romanian, Polish—so you're sure to find that multicultural atmosphere that any expat loves.
And why Leeds is great for culture
It's not all about work here, though. Like Manchester and Liverpool, Leeds also has a growing creative sector, with its strong presence flourishing across the city.
If you are into art and culture, the is a centre for studying and enjoying sculpture, as stated on the institute's website. However, if you would like to focus more on the history and background of the city you will live and work in for the next months, you should visit the . It will offer you a thorough introduction to your new home!
Leeds also has a long tradition in films. And if you aren't convinced yet, remember that the city of Leeds inspired J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Besides, the city is a shopping haven thanks to its impressive shopping malls and large department stores like John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton and Marks & Spencer.
Tourism also significantly contributes to the economy, with its airport, many hotels and other tourist attractions such as the , , , and .
Useful links:
Overall, Leeds offers a great lifestyle that combines urban living with natural beauty. The city is home to Roundhay Park, which is actually one of Europe's largest city parks, and is close by to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which offers a great escape on a good-weathered weekend.
The city also maintains its strong sporting traditions, particularly in cricket and rugby. The Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos rugby team continue to be sources of local pride and community engagement, and of course, we can't forget the city's football club, Leeds United.
Where to live in Leeds
Leeds is a great place to boost your career, as it offers a good standard of living that's affordable and close to natural surroundings.
The city has a strong sense of community despite its extensive population of . Besides, the city is known for its bustling nightlife and vibrant social life that takes place in the many bars and restaurants or during live music and other cultural events. In other words, Leeds guarantees a work–life balance that is not easy to achieve in other places.
Key residential areas in Leeds for expats
The city of Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire and offers various options for expats who are in or very close to the city centre or well placed in the metropolitan borough for easy commutes.
Here are a few examples:
- Leeds City Centre: Living in the city centre means you have access to plenty of restaurants, bars and shops at your fingertips. Life here will be convenient, but perhaps not the most family-friendly.
- Horsforth: A charming area within Leeds with excellent transport links—just 13 minutes by train to the city centre. This area offers a good balance of suburban living with urban accessibility.
- Garforth: This commuter town has evolved from a coal-mining hub to a diverse and vibrant community. It has two railway stations, several shops, pubs, amenities and even a Scout group!
- Roundhay: Is a large suburb in north-east Leeds that is home to the stunning Roundhay Park, which covers over 700 acres of land. The area is also home to the historic Roundhay School, which was founded in 1829, making it one of the oldest, most prestigious schools in England.
How to get around Leeds
Leeds boasts great connectivity with direct rail services to both London and Edinburgh, while a comprehensive local transport network provides seamless access to major motorways, including the M1, A1 and M62.
Leeds Bradford Airport offers convenient international travel options, and the city's prime location ensures easy access to the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park for weekend escapes and outdoor adventures.
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