Between 2013 and 2023, the number of employees in the UK's agricultural products and livestock sector showed fluctuating trends. Employment peaked in 2020 at 191.74 thousand units but faced significant declines afterward, most notably a 14.18% drop in 2022. By 2023, the sector employed 154.84 thousand people, marking a 1.21% year-on-year decrease from 2022. The most recent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the last five years stood at -3.58%, indicating a downward trend in employment.
Future forecasts suggest a continued decline, albeit at a slower pace. By 2028, the forecasted CAGR is -1%, translating to a 4.89% reduction in employment from 2024 to 2028.
Future trends to watch for:
- Automation and technological integration, which may further reduce labor needs.
- Government policies affecting agricultural practices and labor regulations.
- Economic and environmental factors influencing output and employment in the sector.
- Potential for new agricultural methods, such as vertical farming and sustainable practices, to reshape labor requirements.
