---
title: "Devolution push could relocate 90,000 London jobs to regional hubs"
publisher: "Stockmark.IT"
author: "Stockmark.IT Website"
published: "2026-08-13T06:22:35+00:00"
modified: "2026-08-13T06:22:35+00:00"
date: 2026-08-13
canonical: "https://stockmark.it/burnhams-devolution-drive-could-push-90-000-jobs-out-of-london/"
category: "Business"
categories: ["Business", "Companies", "Jobs and Employment"]
image: "https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/devolution-push-could-relocate-90-000-london-jobs-to.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1"
format: "news"
language: "en-GB"
---

# Devolution push could relocate 90,000 London jobs to regional hubs

**Published:** August 13, 2026
**Author:** Stockmark.IT Website
**Categories:** Business, Companies, Jobs and Employment
**Featured image:** ![Devolution push could relocate 90,000 London jobs to regional hubs](https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/devolution-push-could-relocate-90-000-london-jobs-to.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1)

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Approximately 90,000 white-collar positions in London are projected to relocate to other parts of the United Kingdom as Prime Minister Andy Burnham intensifies his devolution agenda. Recruitment firm Robert Walters predicts that legal, banking and accounting organisations may lead this migration, seeking to capitalise on government policy shifts while benefiting from reduced office rents and lower employment costs outside the capital.

The firm estimates that this redistribution of roles could deliver a £9bn boost to regional economies over the next five years. This figure may rise to £15bn annually as increased local supply-chain demands and consumer spending take effect. Jonny Bohane, senior manager at Robert Walters’ market intelligence team, noted that the arrival of professionals creates ripple effects across local economies. He explained that heightened demand supports sectors ranging from transport and housing to cafes, co-working spaces and the broader network of businesses essential to city operations.

Despite these projections, Robert Walters emphasised that the 90,000 roles represent only 2.5 per cent of London’s total workforce. The movement indicates a rebalancing of employment rather than a substantial decline in business activity within the capital. Data from the Office for National Statistics confirms that London remains dominant, generating one in every four pounds spent nationwide and accounting for 22.3 per cent of the UK’s gross domestic product.

Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds are identified as the primary beneficiaries of this shift. Companies are increasingly considering relocating staff to mitigate spiralling costs and elevated taxes, while a shortage of prime office space in London has further driven up average rental prices. The migration is expected to occur gradually. By the end of 2027, up to 12,000 jobs may have moved out of the capital, rising to 45,000 by 2029.

The North West is poised to be a major recipient, with between 15,000 and 22,500 jobs projected to settle in the region by 2031. This accounts for one quarter of total movements from London and could inject £2.2bn into the regional economy. The Midlands is anticipated to gain £1.8bn, while Yorkshire could see a £1.3bn economic boost. Daniel Harris, managing director UK&I at Robert Walters, described Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham as the engine rooms of regional activity. He added that these centres have become key career destinations over the past decade, offering high-profile multinational employers alongside a lower cost of living compared to London.

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