In 2023, the total hours worked in the textiles, wearing apparel, and leather products industry in the UK were 162 million hours. Forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 shows a consistent downward trend in hours worked. Year-on-year percentage changes reveal a decrease of 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, 3.9% from 2025 to 2026, 3.9% from 2026 to 2027, and 4.0% from 2027 to 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over this period is projected at -3.8%, providing a broader picture of the sector's gradual decline in labor usage.
Future trends to watch for include advancements in automation and technology, reducing demand for manual labor and impacting employment levels. Additionally, sustainability trends could drive innovation, influencing labor dynamics in the industry. Observing regulatory changes and international trade agreements will also shed light on the evolving market conditions.
