A guide to... working in Berkshire
By Luke Aldred
If you’re looking to balance urban living with a rural lifestyle, then you may be interested in considering the array of social work job opportunities in the stunning county of Berkshire. Home to many large cities including Slough, Reading, Windsor and Maidenhead, it is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the peace and serenity of the countryside whilst still retaining easy access to city locations.
Is Berkshire a good place to live?
If you’re a fan of the TV sitcom ‘The Office’, then you may think that you’re well-acquainted with Slough, one of Berkshire’s largest cities. But there’s much more to the area than just connections with David Brent. Last year, Slough was named the top destination to live and work based upon job satisfaction, the number of jobs available and the overall cost of living. Slough is currently going through an economic redevelopment and is deemed as a highly sought-after destination.
Reading is another location which has been lauded for its work/life desirability. The town was rated second in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index 2019 which also looked at income levels, skill sets, employment, affordability and commuting times. In fact, Reading has become so desirable that many international brands including KPMG and Virgin Media have chosen to base their head offices in the area.
If you’re more of a traditionalist, then you may enjoy the delights of Newbury or Windsor – both stunning countryside locations which demonstrate England at it’s finest.
What is the average rent?
Rent in Berkshire is affordable, particularly when compared to nearby London pricing. Prices will differ depending on which town you choose to live in, and whether you are looking for a city centre location or a home on the outskirts.
However, a search on Rightmove shows that you can expect to pay approximately £850-900pm for a two-bedroom flat in Slough or £1,300pm for a three-bedroom semi-detached home in Reading. Newbury is slightly cheaper; you can expect to pay £700pm for a two-bedroom apartment near to the train station.
Is it accessible for public transport?
Berkshire has superb public transport links. The close proximity to London means that it’s a popular choice for commuters wishing to live beyond the hustle and bustle of city life. Those living in large cities such as Slough and Reading can benefit from the ease of travel which makes the daily work commute much more tolerable.
If you’re interested in visiting other parts of the UK, Berkshire is a great central location. Within just 60 minutes, you can find yourself exploring historic cities such as Bath, Bristol or Southampton.
What is the culture like?
Berkshire’s culture is fit for royalty… literally. Her Majesty the Queen has a residence at Windsor Castle and the royal connections to Ascot racecourse mean that you can easily cast a glimpse at royal figures.
If you’re interested in local history then you may like to walk around Highclere Castle, which will be instantly recognisable to fans of the period drama Downton Abbey. You could also visit some of the country’s top restaurants including The Fat Duck (run by experimental chef Heston Blumenthal) or Michel Roux’s The Waterside Inn.
If popular culture is more your interest, then you’ll love the annual Reading Festival which takes place every August, offering a collection of some world-class performers. It has already been announced that one of the headliners for the 2020 festival will be Liam Gallagher.
What social work jobs are available in Berkshire?
There are a wide range of social work jobs available throughout the Berkshire region, with opportunities available at different levels. We work closely with many of the local authorities in the area and we know which positions will be the perfect match to help you boost your career.
If you would like to find out more about the social work jobs we have available, then upload your CV and we’ll get in touch.
