UK defence and the armed forces: characteristics of the workforce

The UK private defence industry represents ten per cent of UK high technology manufacturing and is the number one exporter in Europe, second only to the US globally. The industry employs over 300,000 people and generates over £35 billion per year to the UK economy. The industry also works hand-in-hand with the UK Armed Forces from factory to frontline: for example over 6,000 industry personnel are currently working alongside our troops in Afghanistan [UK defence industry, ADS, 2010].