More people work in the retail sector than any other, according to a new study that provides an intriguing snapshot into working life.
Researchers analysed data from the Office for National Statistics 2021 Census to reveal how much of the population is in work, and which are the most common industries to work in.
Ranking top in percentage terms was ‘Retail trade’ which claimed a professional following of 2.8 million, making it 10.2 per cent of the working population.
Following closely in second was the education sector with 2,722,418 people. And in third came health activities, with 2,476,180.
On a broader level, more than 28.2 million people are economically active – excluding full time students – with 95 per cent in employment and 4.8 per cent looking for work. Full-time students and those who are economically active make up 2.28 per cent of the population, with 810,345 in a job.
On the other hand, 19,117,521 (or 39 per cent) are economically inactive, mainly through retirement. Those who are retired make up almost 55 of those who are economically inactive.
Person-facing roles, such as customer service, healthcare, education, and hospitality, are integral to the functioning of society. They contribute directly to the well-being and quality of life for individuals
The study also found that for those who work, 9,703,900 work full-time, while 4,131,967 work part-time.
As well as looking at what industries people work in, the analysis also looked at the mode of transport people take.
Forty five per cent – 12,480,002- said that they drive to work, 31 per cent said that they work mainly at home, while only 4 per cent said that they catch a bus, minibus, or coach to get to work.
Kiruba Shankar Eswaran, CEO of Eleos the report’s authors, said: “The number of economically active people is a key metric in assessing the overall economic health of a country. High levels of economic activity often correlate with a vibrant and growing economy, while low levels may indicate economic challenges.
“Person-facing roles, such as customer service, healthcare, education, and hospitality, are integral to the functioning of society. They contribute directly to the well-being and quality of life for individuals.
“Monitoring these roles helps identify shifts in societal needs and preferences. It also helps policymakers, businesses, and researchers identify which industries are thriving, where there may be skill shortages, and which sectors are experiencing growth or decline.”
Other research has revealed the UK industries that have had the most significant increase in wages, with the manufacturing of textiles, leather and clothing industry coming out on top.
The study by Journo Research, with the help of global fintech group Plus500 analysed the latest ONS Wages and Salaries Survey, and compared the percentage increase in weekly earnings from December 2022 to December 2023.
It found that the manufacturing of textiles, leather and clothing industry has seen the biggest wage increase in one year. In December 2022, average weekly earnings sat at £489.18 for the industry, which went up to £549.41 in December 2023. This is an increase of 12.31 per cent, the highest of any industry.
Weekly earnings in the forestry and fishing industry increased from £462.40 to £514.45 (11.26%) real estate increased from £632.48 to £703.64 (11.25%).
Accommodation and food came third, rising from £296.12 to £325.71 (9.99%) followed by manufacturing which has seen weekly earnings rise from £700.15 to £765.37 in December 2023 (9.31%).
