The forecast for the number of employees in the UK textiles, wearing apparel, and leather products sector shows a consistent downward trend from 2024 to 2028. Starting from 65.98 thousand in 2024, the workforce is expected to decrease to 52.8 thousand by 2028. This decline represents an annual average contraction, or a compound annual growth rate (CAGR), which can symbolize structural changes within the industry or shifts towards automation and outsourcing.
Year-on-year variation highlights a steady decline, with noticeable decreases of approximately 5-6% annually. This reduction is significant, considering the sector's historical performance up to 2023, where employment levels faced pressure due to similar economic and technological factors.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Potential technological advancements leading to further automation.
- Policy changes affecting trade and employment regulations post-Brexit.
- Shifts in consumer demand towards sustainable and locally-produced goods.
- The impact of global supply chain reconfigurations.
