Construction workforce by occupation in the UK 2016-2020, with a 2025 forecast

How many construction workers are there in the UK construction industry? Non-construction professionals, technical, IT and other office based staff made up the largest group of employees within the sector. Forecasts suggest the industry would employ some 2.7 million people in 2020, of which 14 percent would be employed in the above-mentioned office capacity. By comparison, steel erectors would be the least numerous, at an estimated 23,300 people employed.

Construction employment by 2023

By 2023, construction employment was forecast to grow to nearly 2.8 million. Non-construction professionals, technical, IT and other office-based staff were expected to continue presenting the greatest number employed, climbing to around 411,000.

Balfour Beatty largest contractor

As of 2017, Balfour Beatty was the largest UK contractor within the industry, generating a turnover of 8.2 billion British pounds. This was nearly double the amount generated by its nearest competitor. Balfour Beatty also remained the greatest construction employer. Despite a significant shrinkage of its staff body, Balfour Beatty was still employer to some 26,000 people in 2018.