Output per worker - sectors compared in Cornwall

Cornwalls most productive sectors - or are they?

Using output data from ONS and workforce data from the 2021 census, it is possible to estimate productivity by sector. [Total output divided by those working]. The figures indicate the average figure was £37,000. But there are wide variations by sector. that Real estate had the highest figure at £137,300 per worker and Arts, entertainment and recreation had the lowest with £22,300.

The largest sector, in terms of employment terms was Wholesale, retail & motors, with 40,056 workers. Average GVA here was £29,500.

Ideally, the output estimate should be based on hours worked - possibly using part-time and full-time data - as this is more accurate. But hours worked per worker by industry or the full-time/part-time figures are not available. This means that to some extent the estimates can give the wrong impression in that a sector with a higher share of full-time workers will appear more productive than one with a lower share. This is probably why health and social work seems to be relatively low on the scale.

Another important point to consider is that although a sector may be less productive in output value terms, it is still crucial to the economy and society.

The table gives the sectors ranked by output per worker.

Sector	Output per worker
Energy	114,500
Real Estate	137,300
Agriculture, forestry and fishing	110,300
Water & waste	83,000
Mining and quarrying	67,400
Manufacturing	54,500
​Public administration and defence	51,800
Finance	50,200
Construction	41,700
Information and communication	36,100
​Professional, scientific and technical	33,800
​Accommodation and food services	31,600
Wholesale, retail & motors	29,500
Transportation and storage	26,600
Other service activities	25,500
Administrative and support services	24,200
Education	23,900
Health & social work	23,700
Arts, entertainment and recreation	22,300

Comparison with ONS estimates

In 2021, the ONS estimated that productivity per job equalled £41,644. This figure is higher than the calculations used in the blog as the GVA includes the imputed owner occupier figure. The ONS figure also uses current prices, hence the figure is higher due to the effects of inflation.

Methodology

This blog uses output data (GVA) and census data to estimate output per worker of those working in Cornwall. It includes employees and self-employed.

Notes

Output in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) for 2021 using chained volume measures in 2019 money value, pounds million.

Workplace employment from the 2021 census. Workplace data is preferred as it is a more accurate estimate than resident based. [The agriculture employment figure does however look like an under-estimate].

Sources

GVA, ONS, Regional gross value added (balanced) by industry: all International Territorial Level (ITL) regions. 2023 release.

ONS, Census 2021

ONS, productivity. 2023 release, table B3. Table B3: Current Price (smoothed) GVA (B) per filled job (£); ITL2 and ITL3 subregions, 2002 - 2021