Trends in Manufacturing and Engineering Labour in the UK: Insights from 2023 Labour Market Data

The landscape of Labour in the manufacturing and engineering sectors plays a pivotal role in the economic development of any nation. As of 2023, the UK’s labour market exhibits distinct patterns and trends. This article delves into the latest Labour market data to provide insights into employment rates, wages, and other key indicators that shape the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Current Employment Landscape

Employment Rate

Between May and July 2023, the UK’s employment rate was estimated at 75.5%. This figure represents a 0.5 percentage point decrease from the previous quarter (February to April 2023). This decline was primarily attributed to a decrease in full-time self-employed workers.

Payrolled Employees

The estimate for payrolled employees in August 2023 remained relatively stable, with a decrease of 1,000 individuals compared to the revised figure for July 2023, totaling 30.1 million. However, it’s important to note that this August 2023 estimate is provisional and subject to revision as more data becomes available.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate for May to July 2023 increased by 0.5 percentage points from the previous quarter, reaching 4.3%. This rise in unemployment was primarily driven by individuals who had been unemployed for up to 12 months.

Economic Inactivity

During the same period, the economic inactivity rate increased by 0.1 percentage points, totalling 21.1%. Notably, this rise was driven by individuals aged 16 to 24 years. Moreover, the number of people inactive due to long-term sickness reached a record high, while those inactive due to family or home responsibilities reached a record low.

Vacancies and Job Trends

In the period between June and August 2023, the estimated number of vacancies fell by 64,000 compared to the previous quarter, resulting in a total of 989,000 vacancies. This marks the 14th consecutive quarter of declining vacancy numbers.

Wage Growth

One of the noteworthy aspects of the 2023 Labour market data is the substantial growth in wages. Annual growth in regular pay (excluding bonuses) reached 7.8% in May to July 2023, representing the highest rate since comparable records began in 2001. Additionally, annual growth in average total pay (including bonuses) was 8.5%. It’s important to note that this figure was influenced by one-off payments made in June and July 2023 in the NHS and Civil Service.

Implications for Manufacturing and Engineering

The trends observed in the 2023 Labour market data hold significant implications for the manufacturing and engineering sectors in the UK:

• Employment Stability: The relative stability in payrolled employees suggests a steady Labour force in the manufacturing and engineering industries. This could provide a foundation for sustained growth.
• Wage Growth: The substantial increase in wages, particularly in regular pay, may attract skilled individuals to the manufacturing and engineering sectors. This could contribute to a more competitive and skilled workforce.
• Vacancy Decline: The continuous decline in vacancies indicates potential challenges in recruiting new talent. Manufacturing and engineering companies may need to adopt innovative strategies for talent acquisition and retention.
• Labour Disputes: The high number of working days lost to Labour disputes, particularly in the Education and Health sectors, highlights potential areas of concern for the manufacturing and engineering industries. Ensuring good Labour relations will be crucial.

The 2023 Labour market data provides valuable insights into the state of employment in the UK, particularly within the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Understanding these trends is essential for businesses, policymakers, and professionals in these industries to make informed decisions and adapt to the evolving Labour landscape.