The poultry meat processing sector in the UK is projected to experience steady growth in employment from 2024 to 2028. Employment levels are projected to rise from 45.79 thousand employees in 2024 to 50.01 thousand employees in 2028. The year-on-year variation indicates a consistent increase, with the number of employees growing by approximately 2-2.1% annually. From 2022 to 2023, the sector saw a rise of around 1.5%, culminating in a solid base for the forecasted growth. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the period from 2024 to 2028 is estimated to be around 2.1%.
Future trends to watch for include advancements in automation and technology, which may impact employment patterns. Additionally, shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainably sourced poultry meat and potential policy changes regarding food safety regulations could influence the demand for labor in the sector.