Universal has updated its global careers website to include Bedford as a searchable location, a move that signals early recruitment planning for the proposed theme park.
The update follows the Government’s decision to grant planning permission for the Universal-branded resort through a Special Development Order, marking a major milestone for the project. While the park remains several years from opening, the inclusion of Bedford on Universal’s official careers platform signals early workforce planning linked to the development.
The Universal Careers website allows users to search roles by location, sign up for job alerts and join the company’s talent network. Although no Bedford-specific vacancies are currently listed, the update is seen as an early indication of how recruitment activity will be managed as the project progresses.
The theme park, set to become Europe’s first Universal-branded resort, is expected to create around 20,000 jobs during the construction phase, alongside thousands of permanent roles once operational. Local authorities estimate that a large proportion of those roles could be filled by people living in Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and neighbouring areas.
With Bedford now listed on Universal’s careers platform, attention is turning to jobs and skills linked to the development. Following the planning decision, Bedford Borough Mayor Tom Wootton said the project would create long-term employment opportunities and wider economic benefits for the region. “This is a huge vote of confidence in the borough and the region,” he said. “It’s the perfect place for this investment — well connected, full of talent and ready to grow.”
For Milton Keynes, the employment impact is expected to extend well beyond roles at the resort itself. Businesses across construction, logistics, digital technology, professional services and hospitality are likely to support both the build and long-term operation, creating additional demand for skills across the regional economy.
Local business and employment groups have encouraged residents to rely on official Universal channels rather than third-party recruitment sites. Registering for alerts through the company’s careers platform is currently the only way to receive verified updates as roles begin to appear.
While major recruitment is still some way off, Bedford appearing on Universal’s official careers platform is an early signal that workforce planning has started. For jobseekers across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, the most practical step now is to set up alerts and join the talent network so you see verified roles as soon as they go live.
