The United Kingdom is home to many large employers that provide employment opportunities for millions of people across various industries.
These employers play a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing to job creation, innovation, and productivity.
In this article, we will explore the biggest employers in the UK and the industries they operate in.
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1. NHS (National Health Service)
The National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in the UK, providing jobs to over 1.5 million people.
It is also one of the world’s largest employers, providing healthcare services to the UK’s population of over 66 million people.
The NHS is a publicly funded health system that provides medical care to all UK residents, regardless of their ability to pay.
The NHS is divided into various departments, including hospitals, clinics, and community health services.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/
2. Tesco
Tesco is the UK’s largest supermarket chain and one of the world’s largest retailers. It employs over 300,000 people across its stores, distribution centers, and offices.
Tesco operates over 6,000 stores across the UK and other countries, including Hungary, Poland, and Thailand.
The company has diversified its business in recent years, expanding into banking, insurance, and mobile phone services.
Website: https://www.tesco.com/
3. British Army
The British Army is the UK’s principal land warfare force and a branch of the British Armed Forces.
It is the second-largest employer in the UK, providing jobs to over 145,000 people, including soldiers, officers, and support staff.
The British Army operates in various locations across the world, including the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
Website: https://www.army.mod.uk/
4. Royal Mail
Royal Mail is the UK’s national postal service, providing mail delivery and collection services across the country.
It is also one of the largest employers in the UK, providing jobs to over 160,000 people. The company operates a fleet of delivery vehicles and an extensive network of sorting and distribution centers across the UK.
Website: https://www.royalmail.com/
5. Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s is the UK’s second-largest supermarket chain, operating over 1,400 stores across the country.
The company employs over 180,000 people across its stores, distribution centers, and offices. Sainsbury’s also operates in other areas, including banking, energy, and insurance.
Website: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/
6. Asda
Asda is the UK’s third-largest supermarket chain, operating over 600 stores across the country.
The company employs over 165,000 people across its stores, distribution centers, and offices. Asda is part of the Walmart group, one of the world’s largest retailers.
Website: https://www.asda.com/
7. TUI
TUI is one of the world’s largest travel and tourism companies, operating in over 100 countries across the globe.
The company employs over 70,000 people across its airlines, hotels, and cruise ships.
In the UK, TUI is the largest tour operator, providing holiday packages to millions of people each year.
Website: https://www.tui.co.uk/
8. BT Group
BT Group is the UK’s largest telecommunications provider, providing telephone, broadband, and television services to customers across the country.
The company employs over 100,000 people across its offices and call centers. BT Group also operates in other areas, including IT and security services.
Website: https://www.bt.com/
9. Compass Group
Compass Group is the world’s largest food service provider, operating in over 50 countries across the globe.
The company employs over 500,000 people and provides catering services to various industries, including healthcare, education, and business.
In the UK, Compass Group is a major provider of catering services to schools, universities, and hospitals.
Website: https://www.compass-group.co.uk/
10. Amazon
Amazon is one of the world’s largest online retailers, operating in various countries across the globe.
The company employs over 40,000 people in the UK, including workers in its warehouses, delivery drivers, and corporate offices.
Amazon is known for its fast and efficient delivery services, offering a wide range of products to its customers, from electronics to groceries.
Website: https://www.amazon.co.uk/
11. Barclays
Barclays is one of the UK’s largest banks, providing banking and financial services to customers across the country.
The company employs over 80,000 people in the UK, including workers in its branches, call centers, and corporate offices.
Barclays also operates in other areas, including investment banking, wealth management, and insurance.
Website: https://www.barclays.co.uk/
12. BP
BP is one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, operating in over 70 countries across the globe.
The company employs over 10,000 people in the UK, including workers in its offices, refineries, and offshore oil rigs.
BP is also investing heavily in renewable energy, aiming to become a net-zero company by 2050.
Website: https://www.bp.com/
13. HSBC
HSBC is one of the UK’s largest banks, providing banking and financial services to customers across the country.
The company employs over 40,000 people in the UK, including workers in its branches, call centers, and corporate offices.
HSBC is also a major player in the global banking industry, operating in over 60 countries across the world.
Website: https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
14. Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group is one of the UK’s largest banks, providing banking and financial services to customers across the country.
The company employs over 60,000 people in the UK, including workers in its branches, call centers, and corporate offices.
Lloyds Banking Group also operates in other areas, including insurance and wealth management.
Website: https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/
15. Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is a British retailer, selling clothing, food, and home products across the UK and other countries.
The company employs over 80,000 people in the UK, including workers in its stores, distribution centers, and offices.
Marks & Spencer is known for its high-quality products and commitment to sustainability.
Website: https://www.marksandspencer.com/