The UK seafood sector has experienced fluctuating employment numbers from 2013 to 2023, peaking at 10.83 thousand units (persons) in 2023. The most noticeable increases were seen from 2020 to 2021 with a 15.07% rise and a continued growth trend albeit at a slower pace in subsequent years. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2023 stands at 7.19%. Forecasting into the future, employment is expected to grow steadily, reaching 13.1 thousand units by 2028, with a forecasted 5-year CAGR of 3.02% and a total 5-year growth rate of 16.01%.
Future Trends to Watch For:
- Technological advancements and automation in seafood processing.
- Impact of Brexit and trade policies on seafood exports and workforce demand.
- The influence of sustainable fishing practices on employment.