As of 2023, the UK employed approximately 273,000 persons in event catering and other food service activities. The forecast indicates slight, yet steady growth in employment numbers from 2024 to 2028. This sector is expected to expand from 274.47 thousand employees in 2024 to 278.87 thousand in 2028. The year-on-year growth is modest, averaging around 0.4% to 0.5%, with a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) over these five years of approximately 0.4%.

Future trends to watch include:

The impact of technological advancements in food service automation, potentially affecting employment dynamics.
Changes in consumer dining and event hosting preferences, post-COVID-19 era, which may drive demand in specific sub-sectors.
Regulatory changes related to labor laws and their effect on staffing needs and employment patterns.