In 2023, the government total R&D personnel in the UK stood at an actual value of approximately 16.17 thousand full-time equivalents. The forecast from 2024 indicates a gradual decline in personnel, reaching 14.82 thousand by 2028. The year-on-year percentage change shows a consistent reduction, averaging a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around -1.73% over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028. This trend suggests a shrinking workforce in government R&D roles.

Future Trends to Watch:

Investments in new technologies and innovation policies might reverse this downtrend.
The UK government's strategic focus on key sectors may influence R&D workforce distributions.
International collaborations and funding changes may impact R&D personnel needs.