New data reveals most popular occupations of lesbian, gay and bisexual people
The census took place on March 21 2021 and the question on sexual orientation was voluntary for people aged 16 and over
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Coffee shop staff, theme park attendants and entertainment presenters are among the occupations in England and Wales with the highest proportion of employees identifying as LGB+, new analysis suggests.
At least one in 10 people aged 16 and over working in these professions told the 2021 census they were lesbian, gay, bisexual or another minority sexual orientation.
Other jobs near the top of the list included bar staff, public relations professionals and library assistants, with at least one in 13 identifying as LGB+, while bricklayers, farmers and window cleaners were among those towards the bottom, with representation below one in 100.
The occupation with the highest proportion of all was air travel assistants, where LGB+ levels stood at nearly one in seven people: evidence that the airline industry is somewhere people can “live and work as their authentic selves”, according to the flight attendants’ union.
The latest census took place in England and Wales on March 21 2021 and was the first of its kind to ask about sexual orientation, though the question was voluntary for people aged 16 and over.
Four occupations had at least one in 10 people identifying as LGB+, according to analysis of census data.
These were air travel assistants (13.7%), actors, entertainers and presenters (12.3%), leisure and theme park attendants (11.0%) and coffee shop workers (10.8%).
Others in the top 10 include artists (9.8%), bar staff (9.4%) and authors and writers (8.9%).
See the full list below
A total of 321 specific occupations are covered by the analysis, which excludes the very smallest groups where the total workforce in the census was under 10,000 people.
On this measure, the group with the lowest proportion of people identifying as LGB+ was roofers, roof tilers and slaters at 0.5%, or just 250 of the 45,735-strong workforce.
Bricklayers, farmers and scaffolders each recorded 0.6%, while plumbers and window cleaners both recorded 0.7%.
Responding to the figures, Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union, described the British farming community as “an incredibly vibrant sector, with people from different backgrounds and experiences”, adding that it is “important for us to celebrate the strength in diversity”.
She said: “We want everybody to feel welcomed and valued, which is why we’ve partnered with Agrespect and pledged to stand against prejudice and support rural LGBTQ+ diversity, inclusion and enablement.”
The international Association of Flight Attendants, which has a branch in the UK, said its work over the years to have “the broadest employment of our members” regardless of factors like age, colour or sexual orientation, has led to it being somewhere everyone feels comfortable.
A spokesperson for the union said: “Many people who identify as LGBTQ+ today work as flight attendants to be surrounded and supported by peers.
“Decades before the law caught up, we worked together to negotiate job protections for LGBTQ+ workers and secured domestic partner benefits in contracts. Our solidarity has allowed thousands of flight attendants to live and work as their authentic selves.”
Census data for England and Wales, including figures on the diversity of the workforce, is published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The data shows that across every occupation there was a small proportion who chose not to answer the question on sexual orientation – for example, 6.4% of air travel assistants and 7.8% of theme park attendants – meaning levels of diversity in the workforce could be even higher.
The occupation with the highest proportion of people who did not answer the question was packers, bottlers and canners, at 10.2%, with 3.4% identifying as LGB+ and 86.3% as heterosexual.
Differences in LGB+ representation across professions can be down to various factors including barriers to entry and progression, a lack of inclusive organisational cultures and experiencing discrimination, according to the professional body for human resources and people development.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said employers should “act now to improve equality, diversity and inclusion at work”.
Jill Miller, who is senior diversity and inclusion policy adviser at the CIPD, told the PA news agency its own research had previously shown that “a significant number of LGB+ employees experience harassment and discrimination in the workplace”.
She said: “Attracting a more diverse workforce through reaching out to a diverse talent pool is important, but organisations must go further. Employers need to focus on creating an inclusive organisation culture where there is equality of opportunity and outcomes for all.”
CIPD research in 2022 found that organisations in the public and voluntary sectors are “significantly more likely” than those in the private sector to say they had focused on diversity and inclusion with respect to sexuality during the past five years.
The PA analysis also found that sales and retail assistants was the most common occupation across the entire workforce in England and Wales, accounting for 1.1 million people aged 16 and over, 4.5% of whom identified as LGB+.
The next largest groups were care workers and home carers, then cleaners and domestics, where LGB+ identification stood at 4.6% and 2.6% respectively.
Among the top 10 most common occupations represented in the census, secondary school teachers and kitchen/catering assistants both had the highest LGB+ figures, at 5.0%.
Around one in 14 (6.9%) 20-24 year-olds in the labour market at the time of the census identified as LGB+, the highest proportion in any age group, with 25-29 year-olds (6.2%) having the second highest proportion.
Some 5.2% of 16-19 year-olds identified as LGB+, though the overall number of people in this age group was relatively small, at 653,280.
The largest age group in the workforce was 30-34 year-olds, accounting for 3.3 million people, of which 4.9% identified as LGB+.
The percentage then falls steadily as age groups get older, dropping to 1.2% of 60-64 year-olds.
Levels were even lower among the oldest age groups, though here the overall size of the workforce is very small, with 1.0% of 728,235 65-69 year-olds identifying as LGB+, 0.6% of 281,380 70-74 year-olds, and 0.4% of 169,135 over-75s.
Among 30-34 year-olds – the largest age group in the workforce – people working as elected officers and representatives had the highest proportion identifying as LGB+ (18.3%), though the numbers in this category were tiny, at 55 out of 300.
For the most common occupation in this age group, sales and retail assistants, 5.2% identified as LGB+, or 5,340 out of 102,630 people.
Proportion of people identifying as LGB+ in England and Wales, by occupation
Here is a list of the proportion of people in England and Wales identifying as LGB+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual or another minority sexual orientation) in the 2021 census, broken down by occupation. The census took place on March 21 2021 and the question on sexual orientation was voluntary for people aged 16 and over. The list has been compiled by the PA news agency using data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It reads, from left to right: occupation; percentage identifying as LGB+; number of people (in brackets) identifying as LGB+; percentage identifying as heterosexual; number of people (in brackets) identifying as heterosexual; percentage who did not answer; number of people (in brackets) who did not answer. The percentages do not always add up to 100% due to rounding. The list is ranked by the proportion of people identifying as LGB+, starting with the highest.
The list is ranked by the proportion of people identifying as LGB+, starting with the highest.
Air travel assistants 13.7% (3,210) 79.9% (18,740) 6.4% (1,505)
Actors, entertainers and presenters 12.3% (5,800) 78.9% (37,285) 8.8% (4,160)
Leisure and theme park attendants 11.0% (1,925) 81.1% (14,165) 7.8% (1,365)
Coffee shop workers 10.8% (4,325) 80.8% (32,285) 8.3% (3,325)
Artists 9.8% (4,615) 80.1% (37,650) 10.1% (4,760)
Bar staff 9.4% (8,920) 83.8% (79,110) 6.8% (6,420)
Arts officers, producers and directors 9.3% (6,985) 83.6% (62,475) 7.1% (5,295)
Bar and catering supervisors 9.1% (3,895) 84.5% (35,965) 6.3% (2,695)
Other researchers, unspecified discipline 9.1% (3,230) 82.5% (29,160) 8.4% (2,970)
Authors, writers and translators 8.9% (6,270) 82.3% (57,815) 8.7% (6,135)
Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists 8.6% (2,220) 84.3% (21,840) 7.1% (1,845)
Public relations professionals 8.1% (3,525) 86.0% (37,425) 5.9% (2,575)
Newspaper and periodical editors 8.1% (2,420) 84.9% (25,520) 7.0% (2,115)
Database administrators and web content technicians 8.0% (3,615) 85.8% (38,765) 6.2% (2,780)
Musicians 8.0% (2,585) 82.9% (26,675) 9.1% (2,915)
Dancers and choreographers 8.0% (1,030) 85.7% (10,990) 6.3% (815)
Library clerks and assistants 7.9% (1,475) 83.5% (15,650) 8.6% (1,615)
Newspaper and periodical journalists and reporters 7.6% (1,880) 85.3% (21,000) 7.1% (1,750)
Clinical psychologists 7.6% (1,025) 87.4% (11,745) 4.9% (660)
Rail travel assistants 7.4% (1,335) 86.7% (15,620) 5.9% (1,060)
Business and related research professionals 7.3% (4,765) 85.2% (55,520) 7.4% (4,845)
Paramedics 7.2% (1,695) 88.2% (20,785) 4.6% (1,085)
Web design professionals 7.1% (1,160) 85.6% (13,960) 7.3% (1,185)
Publicans and managers of licensed premises 6.9% (2,635) 88.5% (33,710) 4.6% (1,755)
Charitable organisation managers and directors 6.9% (1,285) 88.1% (16,535) 5.1% (950)
Clothing, fashion and accessories designers 6.9% (985) 85.4% (12,095) 7.6% (1,080)
Communication operators 6.8% (2,955) 87.7% (37,970) 5.4% (2,345)
Other psychologists 6.8% (1,070) 86.7% (13,705) 6.5% (1,025)
Librarians 6.8% (690) 85.3% (8,665) 8.0% (810)
Waiters and waitresses 6.7% (10,065) 85.7% (128,195) 7.5% (11,260)
Higher education teaching professionals 6.7% (9,595) 86.0% (123,960) 7.4% (10,635)
Call and contact centre occupations 6.7% (3,250) 87.4% (42,100) 5.8% (2,815)
Graphic and multimedia designers 6.6% (5,275) 86.7% (69,190) 6.7% (5,340)
Advertising accounts managers and creative directors 6.6% (3,125) 87.7% (41,675) 5.8% (2,735)
Counsellors 6.4% (1,875) 87.2% (25,385) 6.3% (1,840)
Customer service supervisors 6.4% (1,160) 88.9% (16,015) 4.7% (850)
Youth work professionals 6.3% (740) 87.1% (10,190) 6.6% (775)
Sales supervisors – retail and wholesale 6.2% (9,015) 87.9% (128,265) 5.9% (8,655)
Events managers and organisers 6.1% (2,910) 88.5% (42,500) 5.4% (2,600)
Prison service officers (below principal officer) 6.1% (2,275) 88.8% (33,090) 5.0% (1,880)
Sports and leisure assistants 6.1% (2,195) 87.2% (31,320) 6.7% (2,410)
Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics) 6.1% (1,715) 88.8% (24,980) 5.1% (1,435)
Marketing associate professionals 6.0% (8,810) 88.1% (128,455) 5.9% (8,545)
Social services managers and directors 5.9% (3,060) 89.2% (46,275) 4.9% (2,555)
Conservation professionals 5.9% (595) 87.5% (8,845) 6.6% (670)
Hairdressing and beauty salon managers and proprietors 5.8% (970) 89.8% (15,030) 4.4% (745)
Police community support officers 5.8% (625) 88.8% (9,570) 5.4% (575)
Youth and community workers 5.7% (2,800) 89.1% (43,685) 5.2% (2,540)
Leisure and sports managers 5.6% (3,750) 89.1% (60,065) 5.3% (3,600)
Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators 5.6% (3,270) 87.1% (51,115) 7.3% (4,270)
Veterinarians 5.6% (1,095) 87.6% (17,190) 6.8% (1,330)
Restaurant and catering establishment managers and proprietors 5.5% (7,860) 88.0% (124,930) 6.5% (9,170)
Senior care workers 5.5% (4,795) 89.2% (78,415) 5.4% (4,715)
Hotel and accommodation managers and proprietors 5.5% (2,385) 89.1% (38,325) 5.3% (2,300)
Actuaries, economists and statisticians 5.5% (2,010) 87.6% (31,735) 6.9% (2,500)
Officers of non-governmental organisations 5.5% (735) 89.1% (11,830) 5.4% (715)
Programmers and software development professionals 5.4% (14,225) 86.8% (229,220) 7.8% (20,630)
Catering and bar managers 5.4% (3,690) 89.0% (60,285) 5.6% (3,780)
Police officers (sergeant and below) 5.3% (7,775) 89.7% (130,980) 5.0% (7,330)
Data analysts 5.3% (3,490) 88.4% (57,845) 6.2% (4,085)
Laboratory technicians 5.3% (2,805) 87.7% (46,675) 7.1% (3,760)
Complementary health associate professionals 5.3% (995) 86.1% (16,285) 8.7% (1,645)
Tailors and dressmakers 5.3% (665) 85.0% (10,595) 9.7% (1,210)
Social workers 5.2% (4,425) 89.5% (75,455) 5.3% (4,450)
Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors 5.2% (2,940) 89.9% (50,350) 4.9% (2,740)
Project support officers 5.2% (2,590) 89.3% (44,835) 5.5% (2,770)
Mental health nurses 5.2% (1,465) 90.1% (25,360) 4.7% (1,335)
Veterinary nurses 5.2% (970) 89.3% (16,695) 5.5% (1,025)
Barristers and judges 5.1% (1,255) 87.9% (21,695) 7.0% (1,725)
Public relations and communications directors 5.1% (1,025) 90.5% (18,125) 4.4% (885)
Secondary education teaching professionals 5.0% (15,670) 90% (281,220) 5.0% (15,645)
Kitchen and catering assistants 5.0% (15,540) 87.3% (271,535) 7.7% (23,805)
Customer service managers 5.0% (3,030) 90.5% (55,300) 4.5% (2,755)
Biochemists and biomedical scientists 5.0% (1,870) 88.6% (32,940) 6.4% (2,380)
Interior designers 5.0% (1,515) 88.9% (26,945) 6.1% (1,850)
Other vocational and industrial trainers 4.9% (5,565) 89.7% (101,570) 5.3% (6,035)
Health services and public health managers and directors 4.9% (3,390) 90.6% (62,765) 4.5% (3,140)
Careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists 4.9% (850) 90.3% (15,640) 4.8% (840)
Travel agency managers and proprietors 4.9% (545) 89.5% (9,910) 5.5% (615)
Nannies and au pairs 4.8% (1,445) 86.4% (26,255) 8.8% (2,675)
Data entry administrators 4.8% (1,250) 88.7% (23,050) 6.5% (1,685)
IT user support technicians 4.7% (4,925) 89.1% (92,815) 6.2% (6,475)
Research and development (R&D) managers 4.7% (2,330) 90.2% (44,995) 5.2% (2,575)
Nurse practitioners 4.7% (2,250) 90.9% (43,670) 4.4% (2,105)
Housing officers 4.7% (1,670) 90.4% (32,135) 4.9% (1,755)
Education advisers and school inspectors 4.7% (1,260) 89.5% (23,835) 5.7% (1,525)
Architects 4.7% (730) 88.6% (13,650) 6.7% (1,035)
Care workers and home carers 4.6% (39,045) 89.0% (761,760) 6.5% (55,410)
Biological scientists 4.6% (670) 89.5% (12,995) 5.9% (860)
Sales and retail assistants 4.5% (50,110) 88.3% (983,905) 7.2% (80,345)
Merchandisers 4.5% (1,100) 90.2% (21,930) 5.2% (1,270)
National government administrative occupations 4.4% (8,430) 89.5% (169,990) 6.0% (11,410)
Marketing and commercial managers 4.4% (3,575) 90.7% (74,225) 4.9% (4,000)
Head teachers and principals 4.4% (2,410) 91.3% (49,830) 4.3% (2,365)
Travel agents 4.4% (1,095) 90.3% (22,445) 5.3% (1,325)
Horticultural trades 4.4% (520) 87.0% (10,365) 8.6% (1,030)
Human resources and industrial relations officers 4.3% (6,720) 90.8% (142,240) 5.0% (7,770)
Education managers 4.3% (2,815) 91.0% (59,960) 4.8% (3,145)
Occupational therapists 4.3% (1,290) 90.6% (27,080) 5.1% (1,525)
Environment professionals 4.3% (1,240) 90.6% (26,095) 5.1% (1,475)
Chartered architectural technologists, planning officers and consultants 4.3% (1,165) 90.5% (24,365) 5.1% (1,380)
IT quality and testing professionals 4.3% (745) 88.6% (15,500) 7.2% (1,255)
Telephone salespersons 4.3% (590) 90.1% (12,355) 5.6% (770)
Parking and civil enforcement occupations 4.3% (490) 89.1% (10,200) 6.6% (755)
Human resource managers and directors 4.2% (7,505) 91.3% (162,930) 4.5% (8,110)
Managers and directors in the creative industries 4.2% (2,965) 90.3% (63,960) 5.5% (3,885)
Fitness and wellbeing instructors 4.2% (2,820) 89.8% (60,910) 6.1% (4,135)
Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants 4.2% (2,355) 90.5% (50,560) 5.3% (2,975)
Public services associate professionals 4.2% (1,785) 90.6% (38,585) 5.2% (2,215)
Special needs education teaching professionals 4.2% (1,335) 90.8% (28,550) 4.9% (1,555)
Quality assurance technicians 4.2% (980) 90.4% (21,140) 5.4% (1,275)
Speech and language therapists 4.2% (605) 91.0% (12,965) 4.7% (675)
Nursing auxiliaries and assistants 4.1% (12,155) 90.5% (266,610) 5.3% (15,685)
Chefs 4.1% (9,505) 87.5% (200,560) 8.3% (19,115)
Legal associate professionals 4.1% (1,790) 90.0% (39,575) 5.9% (2,600)
Clergy 4.1% (1,315) 87.9% (28,220) 8.0% (2,580)
Hairdressers and barbers 4.0% (6,055) 90.5% (138,320) 5.6% (8,485)
Management consultants and business analysts 4.0% (4,820) 90.2% (107,520) 5.8% (6,900)
Retail cashiers and check-out operators 4.0% (3,240) 88.8% (72,730) 7.3% (5,965)
CAD, drawing and architectural technicians 4.0% (2,325) 89.7% (51,535) 6.2% (3,560)
Shelf fillers 4.0% (1,985) 89.3% (44,080) 6.7% (3,295)
Train and tram drivers 4.0% (910) 90.6% (20,680) 5.4% (1,230)
Managers and directors in retail and wholesale 3.9% (18,135) 90.7% (419,755) 5.4% (25,070)
Records clerks and assistants 3.9% (4,255) 90.7% (99,475) 5.4% (5,930)
Further education teaching professionals 3.9% (1,665) 90.7% (38,860) 5.4% (2,330)
Office supervisors 3.9% (1,125) 91.0% (26,115) 5.1% (1,450)
Human resources administrative occupations 3.9% (935) 91.2% (21,795) 4.9% (1,175)
Cyber security professionals 3.9% (835) 89.3% (18,835) 6.8% (1,435)
Debt, rent and other cash collectors 3.9% (675) 90.4% (15,545) 5.7% (985)
Business and financial project management professionals 3.8% (7,590) 91.1% (184,020) 5.1% (10,305)
Generalist medical practitioners 3.8% (6,100) 89.7% (144,225) 6.5% (10,395)
Chief executives and senior officials 3.8% (4,715) 91.1% (111,590) 5.1% (6,220)
Quality assurance and regulatory professionals 3.8% (3,475) 91.0% (82,785) 5.2% (4,745)
IT operations technicians 3.8% (2,385) 88.7% (55,650) 7.5% (4,720)
Specialist nurses 3.8% (1,610) 92.3% (39,235) 3.9% (1,670)
Taxation experts 3.8% (1,105) 90.6% (26,635) 5.6% (1,655)
Undertakers, mortuary and crematorium assistants 3.8% (785) 91.1% (18,870) 5.2% (1,070)
Other nursing professionals 3.7% (14,620) 91.1% (359,635) 5.2% (20,540)
Medical and dental technicians 3.7% (1,215) 91.2% (29,715) 5.1% (1,655)
Medical radiographers 3.7% (1,090) 90.7% (26,435) 5.5% (1,615)
Bakers and flour confectioners 3.7% (1,005) 89.2% (24,150) 7.1% (1,915)
Solicitors and lawyers 3.6% (4,985) 90.2% (123,235) 6.2% (8,465)
Stock control clerks and assistants 3.6% (2,365) 90.8% (60,500) 5.7% (3,775)
Cleaning and housekeeping managers and supervisors 3.6% (2,075) 89.9% (51,780) 6.5% (3,720)
Inspectors of standards and regulations 3.6% (575) 91.1% (14,380) 5.2% (825)
IT managers 3.5% (5,080) 91.3% (133,615) 5.3% (7,725)
Educational support assistants 3.5% (3,875) 90.8% (100,110) 5.7% (6,295)
Local government administrative occupations 3.5% (2,580) 90.5% (65,755) 5.9% (4,295)
Buyers and procurement officers 3.5% (2,075) 91.3% (54,335) 5.2% (3,100)
Sports coaches, instructors and officials 3.5% (1,995) 91.0% (51,690) 5.5% (3,105)
Child and early years officers 3.5% (1,285) 91.7% (33,465) 4.8% (1,740)
Quality control and planning engineers 3.5% (1,165) 91.4% (30,640) 5.1% (1,720)
Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers 3.4% (4,205) 86.3% (106,200) 10.2% (12,595)
IT business analysts, architects and systems designers 3.4% (3,675) 90.7% (99,395) 5.9% (6,505)
Physiotherapists 3.4% (1,515) 92.1% (40,650) 4.5% (1,970)
Planning, process and production technicians 3.4% (720) 91.5% (19,270) 5.1% (1,070)
Playworkers 3.4% (590) 89.9% (15,545) 6.7% (1,160)
Sales accounts and business development managers 3.3% (9,295) 92.4% (260,725) 4.3% (12,140)
Marketing, sales and advertising directors 3.3% (5,640) 92.5% (158,500) 4.2% (7,180)
Specialist medical practitioners 3.3% (2,565) 91.9% (70,860) 4.8% (3,700)
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants 3.3% (2,505) 90.4% (68,705) 6.3% (4,770)
IT project managers 3.3% (1,155) 91.4% (32,275) 5.3% (1,875)
Houseparents and residential wardens 3.3% (1,095) 91.9% (30,305) 4.8% (1,570)
Security guards and related occupations 3.2% (5,460) 89.5% (152,605) 7.3% (12,360)
Business sales executives 3.2% (3,780) 92.0% (110,225) 4.9% (5,840)
Transport and distribution clerks and assistants 3.2% (1,895) 91.4% (54,425) 5.4% (3,230)
Insurance underwriters 3.2% (965) 92.4% (27,665) 4.4% (1,320)
Electronics engineers 3.2% (475) 90.8% (13,605) 6.0% (905)
Florists 3.2% (370) 90.7% (10,540) 6.1% (710)
Finance and investment analysts and advisers 3.1% (5,720) 91.2% (168,755) 5.7% (10,505)
Early education and childcare practitioners 3.1% (2,490) 91.5% (72,595) 5.3% (4,235)
Sales administrators 3.1% (1,535) 91.6% (44,890) 5.3% (2,595)
Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers 3.1% (560) 91.5% (16,315) 5.3% (950)
Bank and post office clerks 3.0% (2,270) 91.4% (70,140) 5.7% (4,345)
Pharmaceutical technicians 3.0% (720) 91.8% (21,825) 5.2% (1,225)
Financial and accounting technicians 3.0% (440) 91.9% (13,490) 5.1% (755)
Podiatrists 3.0% (330) 91.6% (10,115) 5.4% (600)
Primary education teaching professionals 2.9% (8,745) 92.3% (275,420) 4.7% (14,155)
Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers 2.9% (3,915) 90.4% (122,350) 6.7% (9,045)
Higher level teaching assistants 2.9% (3,670) 91.6% (114,910) 5.5% (6,850)
Beauticians and related occupations 2.9% (2,725) 90.9% (84,540) 6.2% (5,745)
Directors in consultancy services 2.9% (1,875) 91.8% (60,045) 5.3% (3,460)
Managers in storage and warehousing 2.9% (1,555) 92.2% (49,370) 4.9% (2,640)
Credit controllers 2.9% (910) 91.7% (28,310) 5.3% (1,645)
Officers in armed forces 2.9% (860) 92.6% (27,365) 4.5% (1,340)
Receptionists 2.8% (5,545) 91.4% (178,545) 5.7% (11,150)
Property, housing and estate managers 2.8% (5,210) 91.8% (170,935) 5.4% (10,055)
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives 2.8% (4,115) 88.3% (129,415) 8.9% (13,005)
Shopkeepers and owners – retail and wholesale 2.8% (3,690) 90.3% (119,870) 6.9% (9,130)
Information technology directors 2.8% (3,140) 91.3% (102,690) 5.9% (6,610)
Financial accounts managers 2.8% (2,975) 92.6% (96,825) 4.5% (4,725)
Routine inspectors and testers 2.8% (1,520) 90.9% (48,590) 6.3% (3,375)
Production and process engineers 2.8% (965) 91.8% (31,495) 5.4% (1,845)
Computer system and equipment installers and servicers 2.8% (670) 89.6% (21,480) 7.5% (1,810)
Industrial cleaning process occupations 2.8% (565) 89.6% (18,100) 7.6% (1,535)
Rail transport operatives 2.8% (510) 91.3% (16,575) 5.9% (,1065)
Bus and coach drivers 2.7% (3,215) 90.4% (109,350) 7.0% (8,440)
Health and safety managers and officers 2.7% (1,535) 92.7% (51,790) 4.6% (2,575)
Estate agents and auctioneers 2.7% (1,300) 92.4% (44,500) 4.9% (2,340)
Midwifery nurses 2.7% (955) 93.4% (32,455) 3.9% (1,350)
Cleaners and domestics 2.6% (15,555) 89.1% (531,480) 8.3% (49,205)
Warehouse operatives 2.6% (12,490) 89.7% (423,925) 7.6% (36,025)
Financial managers and directors 2.6% (8,955) 92.7% (321,320) 4.8% (16,525)
Office managers 2.6% (3,740) 92.6% (132,160) 4.8% (6,865)
Pharmacists 2.6% (1,495) 91% (52,070) 6.4% (3,675)
Purchasing managers and directors 2.6% (960) 93.1% (34,225) 4.3% (1,595)
Delivery operatives 2.6% (825) 88.9% (28,260) 8.5% (2,685)
Finance officers 2.6% (640) 91.8% (22,625) 5.6% (1,370)
Health care practice managers 2.6% (565) 92.6% (20,175) 4.8% (1,040)
Managers in logistics 2.6% (535) 93.4% (19,320) 4.0% (830)
IT network professionals 2.6% (435) 91.0% (15,180) 6.4% (1,065)
Managers in transport and distribution 2.5% (2,415) 92.5% (88,515) 5.0% (4,780)
Cooks 2.5% (1,480) 89.8% (52,785) 7.6% (4,495)
Estimators, valuers and assessors 2.5% (1,115) 92.8% (41,730) 4.8% (2,135)
Delivery drivers and couriers 2.4% (6,020) 91.3% (226,615) 6.3% (15,555)
Chartered and certified accountants 2.4% (4,155) 91.8% (156,715) 5.8% (9,840)
Gardeners and landscape gardeners 2.4% (3,200) 90.6% (122,425) 7.0% (9,445)
Housekeepers and related occupations 2.4% (1,920) 90.2% (71,485) 7.4% (5,830)
Caretakers 2.4% (1,525) 91.3% (57,450) 6.3% (3,960)
Production, factory and assembly supervisors 2.4% (1,375) 91.9% (53,550) 5.8% (3,360)
Fire service officers (watch manager and below) 2.4% (840) 92.4% (32,350) 5.2% (1,805)
Elementary storage supervisors 2.4% (715) 92.7% (27,430) 4.9% (1,445)
Assemblers (electrical and electronic products) 2.4% (510) 90.6% (19,005) 6.9% (1,455)
Children’s nurses 2.4% (385) 94.2% (15,395) 3.4% (560)
Nursery education teaching professionals 2.4% (360) 91.3% (13,780) 6.3% (950)
Hospital porters 2.4% (360) 91.6% (13,580) 6.0% (890)
Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks 2.3% (6,005) 91.7% (243,480) 6.0% (16,055)
Early education and childcare assistants 2.3% (2,690) 92.0% (107,870) 5.7% (6,695)
Non-commissioned officers and other ranks 2.3% (1,600) 92.9% (65,500) 4.8% (3,390)
Legal secretaries 2.3% (785) 92.4% (32,140) 5.3% (1,855)
Driving instructors 2.3% (625) 92.1% (25,430) 5.7% (1,560)
Sports players 2.3% (350) 92.5% (14,190) 5.3% (805)
Dental nurses 2.2% (1,085) 92.4% (45,840) 5.4% (2,685)
Textile process operatives 2.2% (275) 89.6% (11,120) 8.1% (1,010)
Precision instrument makers and repairers 2.2% (245) 92.2% (10,310) 5.6% (630)
Air transport operatives 2.2% (225) 91.9% (9,400) 5.9% (605)
Teaching assistants 2.1% (4,680) 91.9% (205,530) 6.0% (13,460)
Community nurses 2.1% (1,205) 94.2% (53,295) 3.7% (2,085)
Dental practitioners 2.1% (695) 90.7% (29,840) 7.2% (2,355)
Chemical and related process operatives 2.1% (570) 92.0% (24,875) 5.9% (1,600)
Sewing machinists 2.1% (530) 89.1% (23,035) 8.8% (2,280)
Early education and childcare services managers 2.1% (520) 93.8% (23,190) 4.1% (1,010)
Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers 2.1% (490) 90.1% (20,870) 7.8% (1,815)
Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services 2.1% (460) 93.0% (20,425) 4.9% (1,075)
Vehicle valeters and cleaners 2.1% (440) 90.1% (18,775) 7.7% (1,615)
Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers 2.1% (395) 91.1% (16,930) 6.7% (1,250)
Printers 2.1% (345) 92.8% (15,365) 5.2% (855)
Printing machine assistants 2.1% (320) 91.0% (13,705) 6.9% (1,040)
Civil engineers 2.0% (1,200) 92.9% (55,645) 5.1% (3,080)
Medical secretaries 2.0% (1,125) 93.2% (52,505) 4.8% (2,705)
Telecoms and related network installers and repairers 2.0% (1,095) 92.4% (50,235) 5.5% (3,010)
Care escorts 2.0% (360) 91.3% (16,325) 6.7% (1,195)
Hire services managers and proprietors 2.0% (320) 93.6% (14,900) 4.4% (705)
Optometrists 2.0% (305) 91.1% (14,230) 6.9% (1,080)
Electrical and electronics technicians 2.0% (235) 93.3% (10,930) 4.7% (550)
Building and civil engineering technicians 2.0% (235) 93% (10,725) 4.9% (570)
Production managers and directors in manufacturing 1.9% (5,270) 93.5% (261,940) 4.6% (12,895)
Engineering technicians 1.9% (925) 93.2% (44,300) 4.9% (2,325)
Childminders 1.9% (855) 92.4% (40,820) 5.7% (2,520)
Brokers 1.9% (780) 93.4% (37,635) 4.7% (1,885)
Personal assistants and other secretaries 1.8% (4,285) 92.1% (214,530) 6.0% (14,020)
Engineering project managers and project engineers 1.8% (565) 93.9% (29,120) 4.3% (1,320)
Butchers 1.8% (505) 90.5% (25,145) 7.7% (2,145)
Painters and decorators 1.7% (1,965) 91.6% (108,055) 6.8% (7,985)
Mechanical engineers 1.7% (1,670) 92.5% (88,660) 5.8% (5,535)
Chartered surveyors 1.7% (920) 93.5% (50,035) 4.8% (2,580)
Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods) 1.7% (560) 92.5% (29,640) 5.8% (1,845)
Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers 1.7% (525) 93.4% (28,755) 4.9% (1,495)
Plastics process operatives 1.7% (500) 91.7% (26,320) 6.6% (1,885)
Production managers and directors in mining and energy 1.7% (320) 94.1% (17,715) 4.2% (795)
Quantity surveyors 1.6% (510) 94.4% (29,395) 3.9% (1,220)
Aerospace engineers 1.6% (165) 92.7% (9,675) 5.7% (590)
Refuse and salvage occupations 1.5% (560) 92.5% (35,180) 6.0% (2,300)
Farm workers 1.5% (520) 91.1% (31,510) 7.4% (2,555)
Paper and wood machine operatives 1.5% (365) 92.2% (21,950) 6.2% (1,485)
Security system installers and repairers 1.5% (240) 93.7% (14,925) 4.7% (755)
Waste disposal and environmental services managers 1.5% (200) 94.1% (12,420) 4.4% (580)
Metal working machine operatives 1.4% (695) 91.0% (43,910) 7.6% (3,645)
Electrical engineers 1.4% (375) 93.7% (24,635) 4.9% (1,280)
Directors in logistics, warehousing and transport 1.4% (210) 94.1% (14,155) 4.5% (675)
Upholsterers 1.4% (200) 92.5% (12,785) 6.0% (830)
Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs 1.3% (2,085) 89.5% (146,715) 9.2% (15,100)
Construction project managers and related professionals 1.3% (820) 94.9% (580,40) 3.8% (2,320)
Fork-lift truck drivers 1.3% (785) 91.6% (55,235) 7.1% (4,285)
Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors 1.3% (495) 94.5% (36,155) 4.2% (1,610)
School secretaries 1.3% (450) 94.3% (33,585) 4.4% (1,570)
Aircraft maintenance and related trades 1.3% (235) 94.2% (17,105) 4.5% (825)
Metal making and treating process operatives 1.3% (190) 93.3% (13,425) 5.4% (775)
Metal machining setters and setter-operators 1.2% (460) 93.3% (36,230) 5.6% (2,155)
Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers 1.2% (410) 94.1% (31,665) 4.7% (1,585)
Managers and proprietors in agriculture and horticulture 1.2% (365) 93.1% (27,790) 5.7% (1,690)
School midday and crossing patrol occupations 1.1% (870) 92.3% (71,055) 6.6% (5,055)
Construction and building trades supervisors 1.1% (620) 94.0% (52,465) 4.8% (2,705)
Groundsmen and greenkeepers 1.1% (335) 93.6% (27,930) 5.3% (1,575)
Water and sewerage plant operatives 1.1% (190) 93.9% (15,950) 5.0% (850)
Crane drivers 1.1% (125) 93.3% (10,275) 5.6% (615)
Production managers and directors in construction 1.0% (2,915) 94.6% (285,435) 4.4% (13,315)
Large goods vehicle drivers 1.0% (2,335) 93.7% (226,900) 5.3% (12,815)
Metal working production and maintenance fitters 1.0% (1,805) 93.7% (169,720) 5.3% (9,685)
Stonemasons and related trades 1.0% (105) 93.0% (9,675) 6.0% (630)
Carpenters and joiners 0.9% (1,965) 92.9% (200,050) 6.2% (13,390)
Electricians and electrical fitters 0.9% (1,620) 94.0% (179,080) 5.1% (9,755)
Plasterers 0.9% (545) 92.9% (59,570) 6.2% (3,980)
Welding trades 0.9% (465) 93.3% (50,820) 5.9% (3,210)
Floorers and wall tilers 0.9% (390) 93.5% (42,460) 5.6% (2,560)
Road construction operatives 0.9% (205) 93.7% (20,540) 5.4% (1,175)
Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters 0.9% (125) 93.2% (12,370) 5.9% (780)
Vehicle paint technicians 0.9% (95) 94.3% (10,625) 4.9% (545)
Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians 0.8% (1,280) 93.6% (142,585) 5.6% (8,485)
Groundworkers 0.8% (365) 92.8% (41,595) 6.4% (2,870)
Garage managers and proprietors 0.8% (285) 94.4% (33,045) 4.7% (1,660)
Plumbers & heating and ventilating installers and repairers 0.7% (1,160) 94.1% (150,495) 5.2% (8,245)
Glaziers, window fabricators and fitters 0.7% (245) 93.7% (31,185) 5.5% (1,845)
Window cleaners 0.7% (205) 93.1% (26,340) 6.2% (1,755)
Vehicle body builders and repairers 0.7% (160) 94.0% (20,035) 5.3% (1,125)
Sheet metal workers 0.7% (70) 94.1% (9,715) 5.2% (535)
Farmers 0.6% (595) 91.7% (86,250) 7.7% (7,235)
Bricklayers 0.6% (410) 93.8% (59,220) 5.6% (3,530)
Scaffolders, stagers and riggers 0.6% (205) 94.4% (30,940) 5.0% (1,630)
Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers 0.6% (80) 95.1% (12,140) 4.2% (540)
Roofers, roof tilers and slaters 0.5% (250) 94.1% (43,030) 5.4% (2,455)
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments