Life sciences will need 70,000 new jobs by 2035
Biopharmaceuticals and medical technology key in driving demand for talent
Up to 70,000 new jobs will be needed in the UK life sciences sector over the next decade to unlock its potential in growing the UK economy, according to a new report published today.
The new report from the Futures Group – Life Sciences 2035: Developing the Skills for Future Growth – also highlights that as many as 75,000 additional employees could be needed to replace those leaving the workforce over the same period - bringing total workforce demand to 145,000 skilled employees by 2035.
To meet this demand, the report calls for increased investments in education and training, the promotion of lifelong learning, and the creation of more inclusive workplaces to attract and retain a diverse talent pool.
The government has identified life sciences as one of the key areas set to drive the economic growth agenda in the coming years – and ministers are due to publish a sector plan for this growth in the next few months, ahead of the full industrial strategy later in the year. Life sciences is not only one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors, but also among the most highly skilled, with 70 per cent of its workforce holding a degree or equivalent qualification, nearly double the national average.
The Life Sciences 2035 report has been produced by the Futures Group, a collaboration between the Science Industry Partnership (SIP), the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), the BioIndustry Association (BIA), and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).
Lord Vallance, Science Minister said:
This is a valuable report. By fostering strong partnerships across the UK, we can train and attract top talent to meet the life sciences workforce needs for the future. It is important that we seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact, to grow the UK’s £108 billion life sciences sector.Life sciences have a significant role to play in our Plan for Change to grow the economy, create jobs and rebuild the NHS, and efforts like this will cement its place as a key pillar in our forthcoming Industrial Strategy.
Jacqui Hall, Head of Early Careers, BioPharma R&D at AstraZeneca and Chair of the Futures Group said:
The UK life sciences sector is a powerhouse of innovation, leading groundbreaking research which not only improves global health and well-being but also serves as a critical part of the economy.We must ensure the UK remains equipped to meet the sector’s skills needs, both by cultivating a strong domestic pipeline and by remaining competitive in attracting global talent. Working together, we can help ensure the life sciences sector of the future continues to dynamic, innovative and vital to the UK’s prosperity.
Dr Kate Barclay MBE, Skills Strategy Consultant at BIA said:
The UK life sciences and biotech industry is at the forefront of global innovation, tackling some of the most pressing health and economic challenges of our time. Recognised as one of the UK’s eight key growth sectors in Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the industry’s future success depends on its ability to develop and sustain a highly skilled workforce. This report highlights the urgent need to address workforce readiness, particularly as the sector expands into data-driven discovery and AI-driven applications. Over the next decade, 145,000 new and replacement jobs will be required to maintain the UK’s leadership in this field. To meet this demand, we must foster an inclusive environment that attracts and retains top talent, strengthen life sciences education, and champion lifelong learning. BIA is committed to building a strong skills pipeline to support the life sciences ecosystem and ensure the UK remains the best place in the world to discover, develop, and deliver life-changing innovations.
