Job market information
Finding out about pharmaceuticals
The pharmaceuticals industry is part of the broader science‐based sector represented by Cogent Sector Skills Council, which also includes chemicals, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries. Most goods used by people in their homes, at work and in their everyday activities are products derived from the chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries. The combined industries represent nearly half a million people in the UK and are of huge economic and strategic importance to the UK.
The pharmaceuticals industry produces a range of products, from antibiotics to the contraceptive pill, and continues to pioneer new treatments for many serious and life‐threatening diseases. Pharmaceutical companies in the UK spend around £4 billion on pharmaceutical research and development each year. Around a quarter of all UK industry‐supported research and development comes from the pharmaceutical industry.
It is an industry that needs highly skilled people, as it is through their employees’ skills and talents that they are able to be innovative and compete internationally. Many UK based pharmaceutical companies are in the process of expanding their international businesses. Some of the largest companies are based in the UK, Germany and France. Many companies operating in the sector have HQ’s based in abroad but carry out manufacturing and research in the UK.
Key facts:
- The total employment in the pharmaceuticals industry has remained stable since 1998.
- The South East accommodates 4 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the UK.
- Bio‐pharmaceutical is an emerging industry
- The industry is a top investor in research and development.
- 35% of companies were expecting to reduce the level of investment in research and development over the next year.
- 46% of companies are expected to reduce the number of UK clinical trials.
- 97% of companies believe there is an increasing level of uncertainty within the UK pharmaceutical market environment.
Jobs in the industry range from: Process operator, Product stream director, Engineering technician, Engineering operations manager, Lab analyst, Quality team manager, Process engineer, Technical director, Research scientist, Pharmacist.
Entry and progression
There are many and varied careers on offer within the industry. Career development in the pharmaceutical industry is well respected and the companies that make up the sector are committed to investing in their people. It is also an industry that needs highly skilled people. There are many ways into the industry:
- Straight from school or college and progress through operator and technician roles onwards to craftsperson status
- Through apprenticeships such as the apprenticeship in process technology
- Higher education courses that have been designed to equip graduates with the practical and hands‐on knowledge
- In‐house training and development, of which there is a strong tradition in the sector.
Priorities continue to remain around the training and recruitment of people at very high skill levels to maintain competitive research and production facilities.
The Gold Standard, a national framework for continuous professional development, sets out the skills required in key job roles in the process industries by mapping competencies across each job.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
73,000 |
|---|
| Number of UK employers: |
600 |
|---|
| Gender: |
56% male |
44% female |
|---|
| Ethnicity: |
92% white |
8% non‐white |
|---|
| Age: |
8% of workforce is 16‐24 years |
|---|
| 28% 25‐34 years |
| 33% 35‐44 years |
| 23% 45‐54 years |
| 8% is 55 years and over |
Only a small number of the workforce is part‐time or self‐employed; this is unlikely to change significantly over the next few years.
[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (January‐December), 2006.]
Employment trends and future prospects
Employment across the whole sector is projected to continue to fall to 2017, but at a slower rate than in previous years. The pharmaceutical industry is a fast growing area of the Cogent sector and it is forecast to continue to grow over the next few years. Basic Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Preparations are growing sub‐industries. Despite predicted growth in this industry, over the longer term employment levels are expected to fall.
Total employment in the Pharmaceutical industry is around 73,000. The total employment within the Pharmaceutical preparations industry has remained stable, but employment levels in basic pharmaceuticals have increased.
Skill requirements and shortages
- There is a 27% under supply of people qualified to S/NVQ level 2 and 3 compared to the proportion of jobs at those levels.
- Level 4 and 5 occupations, such as senior managers, scientists and chemical engineers, account for 61% of the overall workforce.
- The top four skills that need improving or updating according to employers are job‐specific practical or technical skills, management skills, problem solving and teamworking.
Occupational trends
Across the sector there is high demand for skilled managers, engineers and technicians, scientists, process operatives and professionals to meet future demands and replace those leaving the industry. 61% of the overall workforce is senior managers, scientists and chemical engineers.
Pharmaceutical industry occupational distribution
| Managers and Senior Officials |
24% |
|---|
| Professional Occupations |
24% |
|---|
| Associate Professional and Technical |
19% |
|---|
| Administrative and Secretarial |
7% |
|---|
| Skilled Trades Occupations |
2% |
|---|
| Personal Service Occupations |
1% |
|---|
| Sales and Customer Service Occupations |
2% |
|---|
| Process, Plant and Machine Operatives |
14% |
|---|
| Elementary Occupations |
7% |
|---|
[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (January‐December), 2006.]
Bio‐pharmaceutical is an emerging activity in the industry in the South East, so more opportunities are likely to become available.
National and regional data
Across Great Britain, there are an estimated 57,600 people working in pharmaceuticals manufacturing. The largest number of employees is located in:
- South East
- North West
- East of England
The industry is a strategic priority for many regions. There are significant clusters of pharmaceutical businesses in the North East, North Ayrshire and Falkirk. However, Kent accommodates 4 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies. In the South East bio‐pharmaceutical is an emerging sub‐industry.
Salary levels
The UK’s median weekly earnings for those in the manufacture of:
- basic pharmaceutical products £342.10
- pharmaceutical preparations £550.70
Salary ranges:
- £14,336 for routine laboratory testers
- £32,599 for scientific researchers
- £45,989 for research and development manager
For more information on pay scales go to the Cogent job roles 
.
Career paths
Career development in the pharmaceutical industry is well respected and the companies; which make up the sector, are committed to investing in their people. For further information:
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using Cogent AACS LMI report (June 2010)
