The UK food services employment sector has shown significant fluctuations over the past decade. Starting at 442.32 thousand employees in 2013, it dropped sharply by 21.02% in 2014 to 349.35 thousand. The sector displayed recovery signs from 2015, growing gradually to reach 417.42 thousand employees in 2023, which represents only a slight annual increase of 0.098%. Despite a notable decline in 2014, the employment figures have shown moderate but consistent growth with an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.66% over the last five years up to 2023. By 2028, employment is forecasted to reach 419.56 thousand, with an anticipated CAGR of 0.08% for the next five years.
Future trends to watch for include potential impacts of automation and digital transformation in the food services industry, changing consumer preferences towards healthy and sustainable food options, and economic factors that may influence labor market dynamics. Keeping an eye on these trends could provide valuable insights for strategic planning and workforce development in the sector.
