The UK health sector employed just under 2 million people in 2004, with around three quarters working in the public sector.  Sector information

The health sector in the UK is forecast to grow by around 10% between 2004 and 2014.  Sector information

Managers and senior officials, and professional occupations are among the fastest growing major occupational groups within the health sector.  Occupations

Key to developments within the health care sector are changes in skill mix with the creation of more extended roles across working areas.  Occupations

Employment in the health and social care sector is forecast to grow slightly faster in England and Wales than in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Regional and national dimension

Recruitment and retention in the health sector is more problematic in London and the South East, due to high costs of living and a buoyant labour market.  Regional and national dimension

Women account for just under 80% of the UK health care sector workforce.  However, they are under-represented in occupations like medical doctors and at consultant level.  Equal opportunities

In contrast to the whole economy, the NHS has a higher share of ethnic minority groups, particularly within the medical profession, but doctors from ethnic minority groups are under-represented at consultant level.  Equal opportunities

The health sector has a more highly skilled workforce and offers more training than other sectors of the economy.  Education and training

Research on the health sector is focused on recruitment and retention issues, morale and job satisfaction, image of the NHS, skill mix issues and new job roles, and includes a number of cohort studies in certain occupations.  Research

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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 / national dimension

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

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: health

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.