Docklands is the colloquial name given to the area of East and South East London that covers the boroughs of Greenwich, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and Lewisham. The area underwent a period of huge redevelopment during the 1980s, 90s, and into the 2000s, that brought about a massive change in the type of labour that occurred in the area.

As a result of the redevelopment and regeneration in the docklands not only the employment demographics have undergone change, but the volume of workers has increased too. In fact it is forecast that by 2014 the working population will exceed 175,000.

Canary Wharf is London's second financial centre and as such provides much of the employment in the area. Not only in the financial and IT services sector for which it is most well known, but also in retail and food services at the many shops and restaurants now housed in area. Canary Wharf is home to the European headquarters of many of the world's largest banks such as Barclay's, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, Citibank, and Credit Suisse. They are major employers and maintain significant staff levels in the area.

It is highly recommended when looking for work in the docklands to utilise the services of a specialist recruitment agency who will know both the area, and the sectors that account for the area's largest employers.