COLCHESTER has been named among the best cities in the UK for job opportunities, according to new data.

New research has revealed which major UK cities provide the best job opportunities for their residents, as well as opportunities for salary growth, with Colchester ranking first in one list.

Colchester was ranked among the top ten, at number seven, having scored highly in multiple criteria.

Colchester was ranked number one for opportunities of salary growth.

Milton Keynes took the top spot on the list, ahead of Oxford in second place, and York in third.

The data was provided by software engineer, Ciphr, who examined employment data for 50 locations with city status, comparing each city on multiple factors.

The factors of judgment included average earnings, recent salary growth, employment rate changes, unemployment rate, number of job listings on Indeed, the number of businesses, housing affordability, and life satisfaction and happiness scores.

Colchester’s median wage for full-time workers is £34,964, which is 6 per cent above the UK average of £33,000 according to the latest figures from the ONS.

The average salary in Colchester increased significantly over the last 12 months, jumping up by a whopping 12.9 per cent, with the UK average at 5.7 per cent.

Councillor David King said good opportunities for career prospects are essential to a good quality of life.

He said: “Everything we do as a council, working with business is about encouraging investment and a positive view of our city.

“The ability and opportunity to progress a career, moving between one employer and another, in a good quality environment, is essential to good quality of life for our residents.

“We are thrilled about these really important indicators, which show that this city is a good place to live, providing good opportunities and career prospects for our residents.

“Good prospects of personal growth help the quality of living of our residents, and as a council we are thrilled with the news.”

For more information on the survey, and to find where other cities ranked, visit bit.ly/3Yb2f5s.