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 The sector in the Region experienced substantial growth over the last two decades,
at a significantly faster rate than growth in England and Wales. However, a marginal
decline is expected in net employment levels over the period 2002-2012;
Almost three-quarters of the workforce are males, with an above average proportion
of Black and Minority Ethnic employees and those working on a full time basis;
Almost half of those working in the sector are employed in process, plant and
machine operative, together with elementary occupations, compared with an average
for all sectors in the Region of less than a quarter;
The relatively high proportion of employees in lower skilled occupations is reflected
in a somewhat higher proportion of employees with NVQ Level 1 or no qualifications
– About six in ten of all employees;
In 2001 the sector accounted for £5,000 million in Gross Value added, or 7% of
the Regions total GVA, broadly mirroring the sectors contribution to GVA in England
(8%);
Relative concentrations of employment in the sector are located in Solihull,
Wolverhampton and Sandwell. |