Working futures 2007-2017

This report is part of a series that provide a comprehensive review of the implications of technological change, changes in government policy and legislation, and changes in other economic and social drivers for the UK labour market. It presents a detailed analysis by industry and geography of the changing demand for labour. The projections are set into an historical context in order to compare the outlook for the next decade or so with recent experience. The report is provided by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills on behalf of its partners in the project (Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and Regional Development Agencies). The report finds that despite the current crisis in both the world and the domestic economy, a more optimistic picture is projected for the labour market over the long term to 2017. Employment is projected to continue to rise over the decade as a whole, with the creation of 13.5 million job openings, of which two million will be new.