The health and fitness industry is part of the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, represented by SkillsActive Sector Skills Council. This sector is based on leisure and recreation and includes: sport and recreation; playwork; the outdoors; and the caravan industry. The UK active leisure, learning and well‐being sector currently employs 663,300 people, representing just over 2% of the UK workforce, and an estimated 1.9 million volunteers in England (equating to 54,000 full‐time equivalents). There are an estimated 39,800 workplaces, of which 74% employ 10 or less people. Much of the workforce work in a part‐time capacity (47%) and seasonal employment is important for outdoors, caravans and playwork, which attract students and other temporary workers.
The health and fitness industry focuses on the supervision of exercise and physical activity. The UK has thousands of fitness clubs, leisure centres and gyms for public use. Over the last decade, the industry has grown rapidly, which has come both from within the private sector, but also through the government’s reliance on the industry to help it deliver on public health and activity targets in the fight against illness and obesity.
Key facts:
- There are 51,500 people working in the health and fitness industry.
- There are over 3,100 private fitness facilities within the UK with 4,397,200 members.
- There are just under 2,600 public health and fitness facilities, which have over 2,758,400 members.
- 38% of the workforce is employed full‐time, 42% part‐time and 20% self‐employed.
- Around 29% of the health and fitness workforce is aged 16‐24 years (compared with 14% across all industries in the UK).
Jobs in the industry include: fitness instructor, personal trainer, group exercise instructor, yoga and pilates teacher, recreation assistant, club managers, duty managers, sales personnel, receptionist, lifeguard, finance manager, beautician, crèche staff, children’s activity staff.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are 44,300 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 3,900 are employed in the health and fitness industry. The region hosts a broad range of activities, including coastal and countryside destinations (e.g. the Peak District, Sherwood Forrest and the National Forest). There are many places to walk and cycle, and the growing network of rights of way, footpaths, multi‐use trails and long‐distance paths forms an important recreational resource. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; first aid; and child protection.
East of England – There are 61,400 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 6,100 are employed in the health and fitness industry.
London – There are 70,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 5,900 are employed in the health and fitness industry. London has a rich mix of active leisure and learning facilities, high profile sporting clubs and venues and hosts a wide range of international, national, regional and local events. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; initiative; first aid; child protection; project management; and working with people with disabilities.
North East – There are 24,500 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 1,900 are employed in the health and fitness industry. The region has 20 facilities listed in the London 2012 Pre‐Games Training Camps Guide and 4 universities providing sports provision recognised in the 2012 Training Camps Guide. The region hosts to the Great North Run, which has the largest participation in the world. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; first aid; team‐working; health and safety; working with disabled people; child protection; and initiative.
North West – There are 65,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 5,400 are employed in the health and fitness industry. The region is home to the Lake District, Forest of Bowland and the coast, so facilities include a purpose built mountain bike trail and outdoor activity centres. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; initiative; team‐working; planning and preparing work; child protection; and first aid.
South East – There are 96,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 8,700 are employed in the health and fitness industry. Two of the nine UK Sports Institutes are based in the region at Bisham Abbey and Bisley. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; first aid; child protection; communication; management; and planning and preparing work.
South West – There are 53,700 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 4,100 are employed in the health and fitness industry. The region offers a range of opportunities for surfing, sailing, surf lifesaving, Tarka Trail, Camel Trail and coastal paths. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; team‐working; planning and preparing work; initiative; project management; and problem solving.
West Midlands – There are 48,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 3,700 are employed in the health and fitness industry. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; management; team‐working; initiative; and planning and preparing work.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are 51,900 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 3,500 are employed in the health and fitness industry. The region has a strong sporting infrastructure and is home to a cluster of sports science, technology, medicine and economics research and development units. The region hosts three National Parks and a range of outdoors activities including rock climbing, airborne activities, water sports and cycling. Industry skills gaps in the region include: sport specific technical skills; communication; child protection; initiative; and management.
Northern Ireland – There are 10,738 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 1,000 are employed in the health and fitness industry.
Scotland – There are 58,200 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 5,100 are employed in the health and fitness industry.
Wales – There are 29,500 people employed in the active leisure, learning and well‐being sector, of which 2,100 are employed in the health and fitness industry.
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry (GB), 2007, Northern Ireland, 2005 and Labour Force Survey (Annual average), 2008.]
