The occupational profile of the sector indicates that:

• 53% of workers are in the associated professional and technical occupations, compared to 14% across all sectors
• 21% are in administrative, clerical and secretarial occupations, compared to 13% across all sectors

There is also a high proportion of associate professionals in policing and law enforcement (60%).  Whilst in prosecution and courts, there is a high proportion of staff in administrative and secretarial occupations.  The administrative, clerical and secretarial occupations group is forecast to decline over the next 10 years.  In 1994, it accounted for 27% of employment in the justice sector.  By 2014, the occupational group is forecast to comprise less than 20% of total employment.

The employment share of managerial, professional and associate professional occupations increased between 1994-2004 from 36% to 41%.  In comparison, skilled trades and process, plant and machinery operatives fell from 24% to 21% over the same period.  Elementary occupations have also decreased.

Replacement demands ensure that total requirements for all occupational groups are positive.

Vacancies in the justice sector are predominantly for administrative staff and associate professionals.  These occupational groups also have the highest percentage of hard-to-fill and skill shortage vacancies.

Future shifts in the occupational structure of the sector will be the result of technological changes and significant changes to the way work is organised.

Source: Working Futures 2006 and UK Skill Needs Assessment 2006