Based on the data, employment in the Stone, Sand, and Clay Quarrying sector in the UK has exhibited fluctuating trends. From 2013 to 2023, the number of full-time equivalents generally decreased with notable dips, such as a significant drop in 2020 due to external factors such as the pandemic, followed by a recovery in 2021. In 2023, the employment stood at 16.61 thousand, representing a slight decrease from the previous year. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years (2018-2023) was -0.96%, indicating a minor but consistent decline.
The forecasts from 2024 to 2028 suggest a continued gradual reduction in employment, with the CAGR projected at -0.43% over the next five years, indicating a sustained but slow decline. Future trends to watch include advancements in automation and technology that could further impact employment, as well as potential regulatory changes and environmental policies that might reshape operational requirements in the sector.