In 2023, the UK clothing sector employed approximately 20,800 persons. The projected employment figures from 2024 to 2028 indicate a consistent decline. Employment is set to decrease from 19,520 in 2024 to 14,560 in 2028, illustrating an average annual contraction of around 6.96%. Year-on-year analysis shows decreasing employment levels, with 2024-2025 witnessing a drop of 6.57%, followed by a 6.86% decline between 2025-2026, 7.24% from 2026-2027, and 7.63% between 2027-2028.

Future trends to watch for:

Impact of technological advancements and automation in manufacturing.
Shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainable fashion impacting demand.
Potential economic and regulatory changes post-Brexit affecting the clothing sector's labor market.