• 94% of the workforce are employed, 6% are self-employed
• 62% of the workforce work full-time, 38% part-time
• 78% of the workforce are female
• 29% of the workforce are aged 35-44 years
• the workforce is predominantly white (89%)
• highly qualified workforce – 24% hold degree level or equivalent qualifications as highest qualifications compared to 18% in the economy as a whole
• concentration of qualifications at top and bottom ends of qualifications continuum
• gaps in literacy, numeracy, language and IT skills are considered significant
• rapid employment growth between 1999-2004 (13%) relative to the whole economy (4%)
• 228 doctors per 1000 Registered nurses
   

42% of the health care workforce are broadly defined as clinical practitioners and scientists, 37% work in clinical and technical support, 19% in management and administration and 3% in estates and maintenance functions.

Source: Skills for Health 2006 and Skills for Health 2005

For an economic profile of the health and social care sector see: