In 2023, employment in the UK's wholesale of metals and metal ores sector stood at approximately 25,000 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs). For the forecasted period from 2024 to 2028, employment is predicted to decline gradually by around 0.5% annually, reaching approximately 24.34 thousand FTEs by 2028. This suggests a cautious downtrend with a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) indicative of a slight contraction over the forecasted timeframe.

Future trends to watch for in this sector include:

The impact of technological advancements and automation on employment levels
Potential shifts in global metal demand affecting UK market dynamics
Changing regulations regarding environmental impacts and their influence on the industry