What is the general forecast for the Wakefield economy?


The number of employees in the District has increased by 1,600 between 1991 and 1997. This rise, however, disguises the fact that almost 1,500 jobs (12.7%) have been lost in the South East of the District which reflects the impact of heavy job losses in mining, manufacturing and associated traditional industries.

The Five Towns and Wakefield City areas have also suffered considerable job losses in traditional industries but these have been offset somewhat by service sector related employment growth. There has also been significant employment growth along the M62 corridor with major developments such as the creation of 1,200 jobs at the Freeport shopping village at Castleford which is Europe’s largest outlet village.

Other developments in the area, which is close to the Wakefield Europort freight terminal, include Wickes, Royal Mail, TK Maxx and Next.