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Town Planning Jobs in the UK

Please consider applying for town planning jobs and registering with recruitment agencies up to two years before you plan to travel to the UK.

Prepare for the experience of a lifetime by reading the information below, visiting the Essential Guides for Planners page and visiting our essential tips section.

Receive job updates sent to your inbox by subscribing to Workgateways’ monthly e-newsletter.

Learn how to get the UK job you really want by visiting our FAQ's section.

"Good news…got a job for a senior planning position. Your UK partner has been most helpful. Thank you” Adele S.

Interested in a UK job in town planning? Apply for Jobs or Register now.

Town Planning Jobs UK

For many years the Town Planning industry in the UK has benefited from the constant arrival of qualified Aussie, Kiwi and Canadian Planners. However, since the economic slowdown and more recently austerity measures, the demand for candidates without UK experience has reduced significantly. This could change quickly as the industry has a chronic shortage of homegrown planners and changes to government budgets will have an immediate impact. Planners with at least one year's post-graduation experience in either a private planning consultancy or from within local government should still try to find employment in the UK. Register with Workgateways and sign up to receive jobmail to get the latest job postings. Smaller peaks and troughs are normal and do occur – prepare before you go over by applying to suitable jobs and registering with agencies through Workgateways.

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Where are the UK Planning jobs located?

Planning jobs are available UK-wide in both urban and regional settings. Traditionally, London was the focus for travellers jobs in the UK and whilst there was a fantastic need for Planners with 1 to 2 years experience in London, many great opportunities exist outside in the counties and in other major cities. Interestingly, rates of pay can be almost as high as the jobs in London and the cost of living in these other locations is significantly less. For more information go to "Where in the UK are the jobs?"

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What types of planning jobs are available in the UK?

Town Planning jobs are more often contract positions and can range in duration from two weeks to eight months or more. Permanent planning positions, particularly within private industry can be available to those with appropriate work visas.
All areas of planning are covered by WORKgateways’ UK recruitment partners including statutory planning, strategic planning and environmental planning; many positions available are in policy planning and analysis, however development control and assessment remain the most commonly vacant positions. For more information, go to "Basic titles and job descriptions"

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How much can I earn as a Town Planner in the UK?

For most recently graduated (one to three years experience) Town Planners the average starting contract rate is usually between £12 to £17 per hour. This is approximate and does not take into account your taxation status.
Those arriving in the UK for work with over fours years experience may expect their contract rates to start around £14 to £19 per hour. It is also important to note that your contract rates often increase as you gain that important exposure to the UK’s planning system.

Receive updates on your town planning job prospects delivered to your inbox monthly – e-newsletter.

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What should my UK Town Planning resume look like?

Be sure your resume includes specific details of your duties and responsibilities for each position you have held. This is the most common complaint from UK planning recruitment consultants – ‘not enough information or detail!’ Point-form lists of duties, or work carried out on a daily basis is a good idea. Special projects undertaken can certainly be mentioned as well.

For more information on how to write your CV visit Your UK Resume: the key to winning your UK job.

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What can I do to prepare for the differences in the UK planning system?

Any knowledge at all of the UK planning system is highly beneficial. In our "Essential Guide for Planners going to the UK for work" we discuss the UK planning system and how the new Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act is making an impact on the way things are done.

We also answer important questions like "Should you join the RTPI?" and "What are basic job descriptions for UK planners?"

Finally, "How to bluff your way in an interview"

Want to know more about living and working in the UK?

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