Story Highlight
– Wales offers diverse job roles with salaries over £30,000.
– Recruitment driven by new Employment Rights Act reforms.
– Enhanced worker protections include improved sick leave and redundancy.
– Exciting opportunities available across various industries.
– Application deadlines for jobs mostly in late January 2026.
Full Story
As the new year begins, many individuals are seeking opportunities for a fresh start, with Wales offering a vibrant array of job openings that promise competitive salaries starting at £30,000 and upwards. This recruitment surge spans several sectors, including healthcare, engineering, skilled trades, retail, technology, and public services, catering to a diverse range of candidates at various stages of their careers.
The ongoing recruitment initiative aligns with significant changes in employment rights that have emerged in the UK, particularly following the recent enactment of the Employment Rights Act which provides enhanced protections for over 15 million workers. These reforms, scheduled to roll out in stages beginning in April and October, are designed to bolster worker rights in several fundamental areas. Key reforms include improved statutory sick pay from the very first day of employment, additional rights for new parents, and protections against unfair dismissal primarily affecting redundancy cases. There are also provisions to eradicate “fire and rehire” practices that have raised concerns among employees.
Furthermore, upcoming modifications slated for 2027 aim to benefit pregnant workers with expanded entitlements, introduce a new bereavement leave policy, amend flexible working arrangements, and ultimately eliminate zero-hour contracts. All these changes indicate a proactive effort to shape a more equitable work environment in Wales and across the UK.
With such transformations on the horizon, prospective job seekers are encouraged to explore the exciting employment landscape in Wales. Below is a selection of 20 job vacancies available across the nation, all offering salaries exceeding £30,000 annually. These roles encompass various fields and provide detailed insights into job descriptions, salary ranges, locations, and application deadlines.
In Cardiff, gas engineers are sought for a vital role that entails conducting annual servicing and minor heating repairs while adhering strictly to safety regulations. Applicants should be familiar with gas safety legislation and must have current ACS qualifications. The role also requires involvement in an on-call rota, demonstrating adept customer service skills alongside the capacity to manage one’s workload independently. The salary for this position ranges from £36,831 to £47,000, with applications closing on January 14, 2026.
Meanwhile, Auto Skills UK in Swansea is looking for a vehicle mechanic to join their team. This position will involve performing various service, maintenance, and repair operations within a fast-paced automotive environment. Candidates must possess an NVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance and a minimum of two years of industry experience. The salary for this full-time role is set at £37,000, with a closing date for applications on February 1, 2026.
In the realm of healthcare, a school nurse position is open in Colwyn Bay, focusing on leading the delivery of the Public Health programme across designated schools. Candidates must have a Specialist Community Public Health Nursing degree or equivalent and be registered with the NMC. This part-time role, covering a significant community responsibility, offers a salary between £39,263 and £47,280 per annum, with applications closing on January 21, 2026.
Retail also offers promising opportunities, with a team leader role available at Home Bargains in Flintshire. This position requires hands-on involvement in store operations and leading by example to foster an inviting shopping atmosphere. The salary begins at £30,887 for a full-time role, with an application deadline of February 4, 2026.
For those seeking a career in mental health, a senior occupational therapist role is vacant in Abergavenny, focusing on adults diagnosed with severe mental illnesses. This part-time position involves collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring effective assessment and treatment planning. The salary range for this role is between £39,263 and £47,280 per annum, and applications close on January 20, 2026.
A community mental health nurse position is also available in Aberystwyth for individuals qualified in acute mental health, working with a dedicated crisis resolution team. This role offers a dynamic work schedule, covering nights and weekends as support is needed consistently throughout the week. The salary for this role aligns with other healthcare positions, ranging from £39,263 to £47,280 per annum, with applications closing on January 18, 2026.
In Newport, a registered nurse role has opened in the Central West District Nursing Team, where the successful candidate will ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care. This full-time position offers a salary between £31,516 and £38,364 per annum, with a closing date for applications on January 12, 2026.
There is also a demand for skilled tradespeople, with positions like plumbers available in Treharris and carpenters in Wrexham, both offering competitive salaries. Plumbers are expected to deliver exceptional customer service while maintaining high health and safety standards, with salaries starting at £34,493 per annum. The carpentry role prioritizes planned works and refurbishment projects, with earnings ranging from £34,293 to £38,349.
Additionally, there is a rising need for technology professionals such as software engineers in Newport, with roles that contribute significantly to a company’s digital transformation objectives. This full-time role entails software development within an agile team environment, with salaries ranging from £47,790 to £53,100, and the application deadline approaching on February 4, 2026.
Each listing not only offers a pathway to long-term employment but also the chance to positively impact local communities through various roles. As Wales navigates these pivotal changes in the job market, now stands as an opportune moment for individuals to seize new professional ventures and secure roles that align with their aspirations and expertise.
With more opportunities likely to emerge, aspiring job seekers are encouraged to explore these offerings and consider how they can contribute their skills to drive forward the changing landscape of work in Wales, particularly in light of the new legislative protections designed to enhance worker rights and security.
Our Thoughts
The article promotes job opportunities in various sectors in Wales, highlighting the evolving employment landscape due to the Employment Rights Act. However, while it emphasizes health and safety compliance for roles like gas engineers and vehicle mechanics, it lacks detailed discussion of specific incidents or breaches relevant to health and safety regulations.
To prevent potential incidents in these roles, employers could enhance training focused on risk assessment and health and safety regulations compliance as outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Regular audits and up-to-date training on equipment and procedures should be prioritized to mitigate hazards. Additionally, fostering a culture that actively encourages reporting of near-miss incidents could significantly improve workplace safety.
Key regulations that could be breached include the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require employers to conduct risk assessments and ensure adequate training. By refining recruitment and training practices to emphasize these aspects, similar incidents could be greatly reduced in the future.
