In the UK, this sector has approximately one million employees. It also relies on additional support from 500 thousand volunteers. Of the estimated 210 thousand businesses, 90 per cent employ less than ten people.
In the South West, the workforce is estimated at 121 thousand. The region is dominated by food production. Agriculture crops, livestock production and productions horticulture make up more than 68 per cent of the businesses.
Regeneration of cities, the development of new green spaces and better management of existing ones will increase the demand in Bristol for rangers and park staff.
Employment in this sector has been declining for many years. It is expected to continue to fall. Manual jobs will continue to bear the brunt of the job losses. However, there will still be a need for new workers to replace those who retire or leave the industry. There will be most demand for those with a skilled trade.
There is an increasing demand from employers for people with qualifications at level 3 and 4.
Employment in agriculture is predominately male, with seven out of ten jobs being undertaken by men. Self-employment accounts for half of all jobs.
Growth in farming output will be sustained by increases in productivity, improved farm management and growing demand for home-grown produce.
Farms that have diversified, to offer tourism and leisure activities, are expected to see smaller rates of job losses.
Skills that will be needed in the future include:
Key roles in the future include:
| Position | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Vets | £48,685 |
| Conservation and environmental protection officers Countryside and park rangers Environmental health officers |
£27,431 |
| Farm managers Natural environment and conservation managers Managers in animal husbandry, forestry and fishing Recycling and refuse disposal managers |
£26,400 |
| Agricultural machinery drivers | £21,265 |
| Farm workers Forestry workers Fishing and agriculture related occupations |
£17,070 |
| Farmers Horticultural trades Gardeners and groundsmen/groundswomen Agricultural and fishing trades |
£17,022 |
| Veterinary nurses and assistants Animal care occupations |
£12,139 |
The salaries shown are annual, median, gross pay rates. Gross means before tax and other deductions. The median figure is the middle salary in the range of what all people in that category of job earn.
Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
Many people choose to commute (regularly travelling between home and work) to get the job they want. This will show you where most of the jobs in this sector are in the region.
| Bath and North East Somerset | 530 |
| Bristol | 629 |
| North Somerset | 680 |
| South Gloucestershire | 775 |
Annual Business Inquiry Employee Analysis 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
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