Health: characteristics of the workforce

A wide range of paid and voluntary roles exist across the health sector. It is estimated that there are over 300 paid roles and 111 different roles undertaken by volunteers. Females make up almost 80% of the total workforce.

The age profile of the health sector is older than the whole economy, particularly across the age banding 45-54 years, which makes up 29% of the UK health sector workforce: this group form 23% of the total UK workforce. This skewed profile largely results from training times for professional staff, where many professionals do not join the sector until their mid twenties or early thirties.

The sector is highly qualified, with 61% of the workforce holding degree level qualifications; this compares to a whole economy average of 36%.