United Kingdom Industry Employment
Employment in industry SL.IND.EMPL.ZS
United Kingdom's industry employment was 15.91% in 2025, ranked 50th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's industry employment stood at 15.91% in 2025, a decline of +0.21% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 15.54% by 2026. United Kingdom ranked 50th globally.
The United Kingdom’s share of employment in industry has fallen dramatically over the 35‑year span from 1991 to 2025, dropping from an all‑time peak of 30.77 % in 1991 to a trough of 15.91 % in 2025, a decline of more than 14 percentage points. This contraction places the United Kingdom at rank 50 globally in 2025, virtually identical to the figures recorded for Bhutan (15.88 %) and Samoa (15.94 %). The long‑term downward trajectory reflects structural shifts toward services and technology, as well as the impact of deindustrialisation policies pursued in the 1990s and 2000s. While the current level remains modest, any resurgence in manufacturing, green‑energy production, or advanced materials could slow the decline. Future policy emphasis on industrial revitalisation and investment in high‑value sectors will be crucial if the United Kingdom aims to reverse the persistent erosion of industry employment.
Data & projection
| Year | Industry Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 15.02% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 15.28% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 15.54% | - | - |
| 2025 | 15.91% | −0.21% | #50 |
| 2024 | 16.12% | +0.21% | #51 |
| 2023 | 15.92% | −0.78% | #54 |
| 2022 | 16.70% | −0.22% | #60 |
| 2021 | 16.92% | −0.27% | #69 |
| 2020 | 17.19% | −1.04% | #71 |
| 2019 | 18.22% | +0.14% | #81 |
| 2018 | 18.08% | −0.13% | #80 |
| 2017 | 18.21% | −0.25% | #83 |
| 2016 | 18.46% | −0.18% | #84 |
| 2015 | 18.64% | −0.32% | #85 |
| 2014 | 18.96% | +0.11% | #85 |
| 2013 | 18.85% | −0.19% | #84 |
| 2012 | 19.04% | −0.11% | #86 |
| 2011 | 19.15% | −0.04% | #89 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw industry employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's industry employment was 15.91% in 2025. Ranked 50th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from the previous year.
United Kingdom's industry employment peaked at 30.77% in 1991.
The lowest industry employment in United Kingdom was 15.91% in 2025.
United Kingdom ranks 50th globally in industry employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.IND.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's industry employment is projected to reach 15.54% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The industry employment of United Kingdom in 2025 was 15.91%. This ranks 50th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_industry-employment,
title = {United Kingdom Industry Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/industry-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}