Sport and Leisure
The sport and recreation sector employs 621,000 people working in 231,000 businesses and organisations throughout the UK. This industry is spread across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
One area of growth in this sector is the health and fitness industry. Currently there are over 3,500 private fitness clubs and 1,500 leisure centres that employ around 50,000 people in the UK.
Approximately 45,000 people are employed in the East of England’s sport and recreation sector. There are about 3,200 sport and recreation businesses in the East of England. 72% of these employ fewer than 10 people.
The industry benefits from government funding due to its provision of public health programmes.
The industry needs good calibre management entrants. Employers have signified their intention to develop a professional management scheme in order to do this. This means that in future, there will be more opportunities for career progression.
It is a sector with traditionally high labour turnover rates and a young workforce (34% under 25). The turnover creates good opportunities for those wanting to start working in this sector.
Apprenticeships are increasingly being used as a route into working in this sector. These enable people to earn while they learn the skills they will need within their chosen career.
How much could I earn?
Sport and Leisure Assistant £12,366
Fitness Instructor £11,543
Leisure and Sport Manager £25,219
Leisure Theme Park Attendant £6,062
Sport Coach, Instructor and Official £11,692
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen?
The sports and active leisure sector is proving to be resistant to the current economic recession. Fitness and exercise are no longer perceived to be luxuries.
It is estimated that 12,000 jobs in many types of employment are also likely to be created as a result of London being awarded the 2012 Olympic games.
While most jobs for the Olympics will be concentrated in London, areas such as the South East of England are likely to benefit from visitors to the games extending their holidays and from athletes making use of training facilities.
Surveys of employers show that skills such as customer service, communication, problem solving and the ability to demonstrate initiative are essential in the sector. Tour operators also require good ICT skills, as internet use is becoming more common in the industry.
New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced in the next three years. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be a Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure and Travel and Tourism which will be available from September 2010.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.