Over the past decade, British manufacturing has become increasingly hi-tech, resulting in more standardised working hours and better conditions of service for employees. The sector is huge and encompasses a wide range of industries, including: food and beverages, process manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry, biotechnology, chemical industry, clothing and footwear, electrical equipment, electronics, metals and engineered metal products.
Demand for industrial and blue-collar staff fell rapidly in 2007 and most of 2008, with the number of vacancies in the sector falling by around 40% but still totalling 19% of temporary placements. This was partly due to the slowdown in the economy, as well as the decline in industrial activity and the outsourcing of many lesser-skilled jobs abroad. However, in the latter quarter of 2008 there were signs that some jobs in the manufacturing sector were being brought back to the UK as the costs of sourcing abroad began to increase.
