The number of employees in the UK's wearing apparel sector is projected to steadily decrease over the next five years. Starting from 12.95 thousand in 2024, the sector is expected to shrink to 7.45 thousand by 2028. This indicates a consistent year-on-year decline, averaging a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately -10%. This trend highlights a significant contraction in employment, reflecting possible challenges in the sector such as automation and changing consumer preferences, or external pressures like import competition.
Future trends to watch for:
- Impact of digital transformation and automation on employment
- Shift towards sustainable and ethical fashion influencing labor needs
- Potential market disruptions from new trade policies post-Brexit
