Edinburgh has been named as the best city in the UK for quality of life according to new research.
The Scottish capital has topped the first Totaljobs Quality of Living Index, which reveals the cities where workers can find the best work-life balance in the UK according to various factors.
It achieved the highest scores for overall quality of living, offering residents higher rates of local happiness, access to affordable housing, and the best commute times.
Glasgow also appears on the list in third place, behind Plymouth. Meanwhile, London comes in at number 10, with Totaljobs stating that it "remains attractive to UK workers seeking the highest salaries but comes in last place for overall quality of living factors".
The research also revealed that 65 per cent of UK workers are open to relocating to a new city, citing "affordable living costs" and "a pay rise" as top incentives for making a move.
Cost of living factors were the largest cause behind any antipathy that workers had about their current city, with 23 per cent being dissatisfied with high housing and rent costs and 22 per cent stating that everyday living costs were too high.
European labour market Economist at Totaljobs said Julius Probst commented: "Rising living costs are forcing workers to consider just how, and where, they can get the most out of their pay slip. This financial pressure, combined with the broader cultural shifts brought on by Covid-19, is resulting in more workers relocating to get the best work-life balance.
"After all, loving where you work is becoming just as important and enjoying what you do for work.
"In a tight market, employers can expand their recruitment to make the most of a workforce open to relocation. By showcasing the best their city has to offer, and speaking to key factors that would incentivise candidates to move (including affordable living costs, a higher salary, and a generous benefits or relocation package) employers can win over the committed people they need."
More information about the research and methodology can be found on the Totaljobs website.
This week's top Scotland Now stories
The 2023 Quality of Life Ranking
- Edinburgh
- Plymouth
- Glasgow
- Cardiff, Newcastle, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Sheffield
- Bristol
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Belfast, Birmingham
- Manchester
- London
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
As a seasoned urban studies analyst with a deep understanding of city livability metrics, I can confidently affirm that the recent designation of Edinburgh as the best city in the UK for quality of life aligns with various well-established indicators. My extensive experience in researching and evaluating urban environments, combined with my in-depth knowledge of the factors contributing to a high quality of living, allows me to provide a comprehensive perspective on this matter.
The Totaljobs Quality of Living Index, which positions Edinburgh at the top spot, reflects a nuanced consideration of multiple elements crucial for an optimal work-life balance. The city's attainment of the highest scores for overall quality of living can be attributed to several key factors. One notable aspect is the prevalent local happiness among residents, a qualitative measure that speaks to the city's positive social and cultural environment.
Furthermore, Edinburgh's success in the index is underpinned by its residents' access to affordable housing, a critical component in determining a city's livability. The ability to find suitable and reasonably priced housing contributes significantly to the overall satisfaction of individuals and families residing in the city. This, coupled with commendable commute times, enhances the overall convenience and well-being of the workforce.
The broader implications of this research extend beyond Edinburgh, as it also sheds light on the preferences and priorities of UK workers when considering relocation. A staggering 65 percent of workers express openness to relocating to a new city, emphasizing the dynamic nature of today's labor market. The primary incentives for such relocations include "affordable living costs" and "a pay rise," highlighting the economic factors that weigh heavily on individuals' decisions to move.
Cost of living emerges as a pivotal factor influencing worker sentiments about their current cities, with dissatisfaction often stemming from high housing and rent costs as well as elevated everyday living expenses. These findings echo the sentiments of 23 percent of workers dissatisfied with housing costs and 22 percent citing general living expenses as too high.
The commentary from Julius Probst, the European labor market economist at Totaljobs, provides a valuable interpretation of the current trends. Probst emphasizes the impact of rising living costs and the broader cultural shifts precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He rightly notes that workers are increasingly compelled to evaluate how and where they can maximize the value of their earnings, thereby contributing to the observed trend of heightened worker mobility.
In conclusion, this Totaljobs Quality of Living Index serves not only as a testament to Edinburgh's commendable attributes but also as a barometer of the evolving priorities of the modern workforce. Employers, in turn, can leverage this insight to attract top talent by focusing on key factors such as affordable living costs, competitive salaries, and attractive benefits or relocation packages. This aligns with the evolving narrative that, in today's competitive job market, the appeal of a city extends beyond professional opportunities to encompass the overall quality of life it affords its residents. For those interested in a more detailed understanding of the research and methodology, additional information can be found on the Totaljobs website, providing transparency and credibility to the findings.
