Manufacturing

In addition to the traditional manufacturing activities such as engineering and textiles, the District has a range of companies engaged in the manufacture of food, chemicals and electronics. Although some manufacturing sectors have suffered job losses over recent years, others such as electrical equipment, paper, printing, metal and transport equipment have experienced significant employment growth. The table below gives a more detailed breakdown of some of the major manufacturing industries:

Manufacturing Sub-Sectors, 1997

Source: Annual Employment Survey, 1997, NOMIS (ONS)

Service Industries

Retailing continues to be a major employment sector accounting for 11.9% of total employment in the District. Retail employment grew from 11,800 in 1991 to 13,100, in 1997, representing a rise of 11.5% compared with a rise of 7.1% nationally during the same period. This trend is expected to increase when figures including the new jobs created at Glasshoughton Freeport are released.

Between 1991 and 1997, the number of people employed in Hotels and Catering has increased by 32.6% to 7,600. More than 31% are employed in bars; 20% in restaurants; 10% in Hotels and 38% in canteens and catering establishments.

Wakefield City centre has a thriving ‘evening economy’ and offers a host of venues, including a theatre, cinema and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

The number of Transport, Storage and Communications workplaces has risen from 374 to 534 between 1991 and 1997. Employment also grew from 5,900 to 6,900, representing a rise of 18.4% compared with a 2.3% fall nationally.

The District’s excellent communications network has attracted major companies, such as Asda, Morrisons, Redcats UK, Next, Royal Mail and Wickes who are engaged in distribution activities. Britain’s largest independent haulage firm, Eddie Stobart Ltd, has recently completed its new regional headquarters at the Wakefield 41 industrial estate creating 200 jobs.

According to the Annual Employment Survey, Financial and Business Services
employment in the District grew by 14.4%, from 9,900 in 1991 to 11,300 in 1997. The introduction of new technology and financial deregulation are creating new employment opportunities in tele-banking and call centres.

The public sector continues to be a major employment sector with an estimated
28,200 people, which equates to almost a quarter of all employees in the District.
Over 47% of employees are engaged in health and social work; 27% in public
administration/defence, social security and 25% in education.