- Research suggests that the average UK household will spend £1,811.70 on Christmas this year; the lowest-paid industry in the UK will need to save nearly six weeks worth of wages to afford this
- The highest-paid industry is Financial and Insurance Activities, with average weekly earnings of £1,361
- Accommodation and Food Service Activities ranks as the lowest-paid industry, with average weekly earnings of only £329
A new study has revealed the top ten lowest-paid industries in the UK, meaning it will be much harder to be able to afford things for Christmas this year, such as presents, food, and transportation to see family members.
Qualified teachers for tuition, Teachers To Your Home, analysed July 2024 data from the Office for National Statistics on the average weekly earnings in various industries in the UK.
Accommodation and Food Service Activities has been named the lowest-paid industry to enter after leaving school in the UK, with average weekly earnings of only £329. Roles in this industry include bartender, concierge, and housekeeping staff member.
In second place is Retail Trade and Repairs, with average weekly earnings of £439. There are many roles within this sector, including sales associate, home appliance repairer, and inventory specialist.
The third lowest-paid industry in the UK is Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing. People who work in this sector earn a weekly average of £497. Livestock handler, arborist, and fisherman are just some of the numerous roles in this sector.
Other Service Activities is the fourth lowest-paid industry, with average weekly earnings of £515. Some of the careers in this industry include hairdresser, tutor, and social worker.
Taking fifth place is Manufacturing – Textiles, Leather and Clothing. This sector reports average weekly earnings of £532. Weaver, textile designer, and leather craftsman are just some of the many roles in this industry that school leavers can consider.
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation roles earn an average of £534 a week, ranking them as the sixth lowest-paid industry to enter after leaving school in the UK. Within this industry, leavers can consider various roles, such as musician, fitness trainer, tour guide, and actor.
In seventh place is Education, which has average weekly earnings of £567. Teacher, admissions officer, and librarian are all possible careers in this industry.
Health and Social Work is the eighth lowest-paid industry in the UK, with average weekly earnings of £573. Some popular careers in this industry include nurse, physical therapist, and mental health counsellor.
In ninth place is Administrative and Support Service Activities, with reported average weekly earnings of £605. Data entry clerk, receptionist, and payroll specialist are just a few of the careers available in this industry.
Manufacturing – Food, Beverages and Tobacco takes tenth place with average weekly earnings of £660. Brewmaster, food scientist, and machine operator are some of the jobs available in this industry.
On the other end of the scale, Financial and Insurance Activities is the highest-paid industry in the UK, with average weekly earnings of £1,361.
| Rank | Industry | Average Weekly Earnings (£) |
| 1 | Accommodation and Food Service Activities | 329 |
| 2 | Retail Trade and Repairs | 439 |
| 3 | Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | 497 |
| 4 | Other Service Activities | 515 |
| 5 | Manufacturing – Textiles, Leather and Clothing | 532 |
| 6 | Arts, Entertainment and Recreation | 534 |
| 7 | Education | 567 |
| 8 | Health and Social Work | 573 |
| 9 | Administrative and Support Service Activities | 605 |
| 10 | Manufacturing – Food, Beverages and Tobacco | 660 |
Gillian Dixon, CEO of Teachers To Your Home, commented:
“Christmas can be a very expensive time, with costs quickly adding up for food, transportation, presents, and many more aspects of the season.
“Low-income households will especially find it difficult to afford these extras, as costs have almost tripled over the last 30 years. These insights could remind individuals who work in one of these industries that Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s best to save sooner rather than later to avoid forking out too much to pay for gifts.”
