In 2023, the number of persons employed in high- and medium-high R&D intensive activities in the UK stood at 1.96 million. The forecast indicates a steady growth, with employment expected to rise to 2.06 million by 2028. The year-on-year growth rates from 2024 to 2028 show consistent increases of about 1% annually. Over this five-year horizon, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is projected at approximately 1%.

Future trends to watch for include:

The impact of technological advancements on employment levels in R&D intensive sectors.
Potential policy changes influencing the R&D sector's labor market.
Global economic factors that may affect the UK's R&D investments and employment.