News

Top jobs in safety in greatest demand right now, says recruiter

By on

Senior safety professionals who can influence culture, lead transformation, and align health and safety with wider business goals are in growing demand by employers, the recruiter Irwin & Colton have said.


Partner Michael Colton said that construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing, are where most of these roles are being advertised. These are sectors where organisations increasingly view safety as a “core ESG metric.”

Writing for their blog, Colton added that hybrid HSE and ESG roles are also on the increase, with roles a blend of safety with environmental and sustainability responsibilities.

Professionals with experience in carbon management, ethical supply chains, and social impact are therefore finding new opportunities in “evolving, multi-disciplinary roles”, said Colton.

Senior safety professionals who can influence culture, lead transformation, and align health and safety with wider business goals are in growing demand. Photograph: iStock

It comes as the percentage of new vacancies in health and safety went up by at least 10 per cent in October after a period of uncertainty reflecting an unstable economic climate, said the recruiter.

“After a muted first half of the year, the recent uptick in hiring activity feels significant, not just a blip,” said Michael Colton. “Whether this proves to be the start of a sustained recovery or a short-lived surge remains to be seen, but momentum is building again.”

“For both employers and professionals, now is the time to re-engage with the market, refine strategies, and prepare for what’s next.”

NEWS


Asbestos

HSE highlights common asbestos failings as inspections ramp up

By Belinda Liversedge on 02 April 2026

HSE marks Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April), highlighting free guidance and training resources available to help dutyholders and trades comply with the law.



Mental Health Support at Work iStock Kobus Louw

1 in 3 bosses cite mental ill-health as main driver of staff sickness

By Belinda Liversedge on 30 March 2026

Almost a third (32 per cent) of bosses report stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems as a reason staff give for sickness absence.



London Buses Istock Med

Mayor pledges 12-month safety overhaul after “appalling” bus driver report

By Belinda Liversedge on 27 March 2026

London Mayor Sadiq Khan says he is “appalled” by an ITV investigation revealing that nearly one in five bus drivers has fallen asleep at the wheel.