Employment in the UK civil engineering sector has shown a notable fluctuation over the last decade. From a low of 180.3 thousand full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in 2013, it increased to 242.0 thousand FTEs in 2023. The sector experienced a significant surge in 2016 with a 20.54% year-on-year increase. However, there was a steep drop in 2020 by 16.2%, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a robust recovery in 2021 with a rise of 21.61%. Over the last two years, the sector has maintained modest growth, around 0.88% in 2023. The five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) stood at 0.64% by 2023. Forecasts for upcoming years suggest continued steady growth, with a 5-year forecast CAGR of 0.71% and a forecasted growth rate of 3.58% by 2028.
Future trends to watch for in the civil engineering sector include:
- Adoption of sustainable and green engineering practices.
- Impact of advancements in construction technology on employment.
- Continued recovery and growth post-pandemic.
- Shifting demand for infrastructure projects based on economic policies and government investments.