The sector comprises approximately 1 million employees, accounting for 3.4% of total employment in the UK, plus a further 500,000 volunteers. Sector information

Self-employment is a key feature of the sector with approximately 80% of the workforce as proprietors. Sector information

The South West, Scotland and the South East have the largest workforces in the sector. Regional and national dimension

The majority of the workforce are in skilled trades (49%), whilst 24% are employed in the elementary professions. Occupations

The average age of the sector is 42 years, compared to 39 years in the economy as a whole. Equal opportunities

By 2015, it is expected that 55% of the workforce will be aged 40 years and over. Equal opportunities

Only 0.7% of the workforce is from minority ethnic groups, compared to 5% nationally. Equal opportunities

28% of the workforce has attained S/NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) qualifications, the highest proportion in the sector. Education and training 

All images presented in this sector are supplied, with thanks, by Lantra Sector Skills Council.

Sector information

This contains an overview of the sector as a whole, details future trends in employment together with skill gaps and workforce development issues.

Data and charts

Links to the charts contained within this sector are listed.

Regional and national dimension

Information on regional trends and differences, together with trends in the home nations including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Occupations

Information and trends on sectoral occupations.

Equal opportunities

Key information on equal opportunity issues specific to the sector.

Education and training

Education and training information and issues including work-based learning, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and further and higher education courses.

Research

A list of recent research publications which is intended to be a starting for those wishing for more detail on the sector.

Discussion points

Thought-provoking and challenging questions to start discussions.

Sector summary: land management and production; animal health and welfare; and the environmental industries

This summary gives a brief overview of the key trends in the sector.

Links and sources

This contains direct links to all the materials used to compile this sector. More in-depth and detailed information can be found in the source materials as only key points have been extracted. In addition, websites and further sources which may be of interest have been included.