Sizing Up the Trees and Timber Industry

<p> The UK&rsquo;s Trees and Timber industry is three and half times larger than previously estimated, according to new research, published by Lantra Sector Skills Council. &nbsp;</p> <p> This research estimates there are approximately 100,000 individuals working in forestry and arboriculture.&nbsp; This is a significant increase when compared to the previous statistics, which estimated the workforce to contain 35,482 people.&nbsp; The increased workforce estimate was calculated through the use of a new methodology that looked at job roles instead of business types.</p> <p> This research was undertaken by Lantra in order to provide an authoritative account of the business and workforce characteristics of the Trees and Timber industry.</p> <p> A key outcome of this particular research is to identify businesses and employees within the industry that have been &lsquo;hidden&rsquo; in other sectors of the economy or in businesses not captured within Lantra&rsquo;s traditional industry categories.&nbsp; For the first time Lantra is able to present a holistic view of employment of how many people work in what roles across the trees and timber supply chain.</p> <p> In addition to the increase in estimated workforce numbers, this research identifies approximately three times more businesses that employ trees and timber related professionals when compared to official statistics.&nbsp;&nbsp; When including hidden businesses that employ a member of this industry, a more accurate number of tree and timber businesses equates to 14,250.</p> <p> Another major finding of this research is the balance of men to women working in this industry.&nbsp; Previously it was thought that only 7% of the workforce was female, but these findings indicate that the workforce is approximately 19.4% female.</p> <p> Stuart Phillips, Lantra&rsquo;s Tree and Timber Industry Manager said: &ldquo;This research is very significant and potentially will have some very important impacts on this industry.&nbsp; It shows how large and influential the industry is and will no doubt help build support from policy makers when examining support and funding for skills.&rdquo;</p> <p> Dr. Ruchira Pounds, Lantra&rsquo;s Research Manager said: &ldquo;Lantra produces research to better understand the characteristics of the land-based and environmental industries and to gain a better understanding of the current and future skill needs of businesses and in this case the Trees and Timber industry. We also look into the skills issues that will face the industry in the future so that professionals and employers can make educated decisions to improve their business.&rdquo;</p> <p> To download the entire research report or to find out about Lantra&rsquo;s other research projects, visit <a href="http://www.lantra.co.uk/research." target="_blank">Lantra</a>.</p>