Understanding the UK grounds workforce - insights, evidence, and action for a stronger profession.

THE SECTOR TODAY

The UK grounds management sector keeps sport and green spaces safe, sustainable, and high-quality - from professional stadia to schools, local authority facilities, and community clubs.

• Over 30,000 professionals and 13 million volunteer hours annually (£150 million value) support participation, performance, and public enjoyment

• Grounds management is a vital and economically significant part of the UK’s sport and recreation system

WORKFORCE PRESSURES

Despite high overall job satisfaction, the sector faces growing challenges:

• Ageing workforce: Nearly half of staff are aged 45–64, with 15% expected to retire within three years (~1,500 retirements annually)

• Recruitment and retention: Entry routes are fragmented, apprenticeships are limited, and experienced staff shortages risk continuity

• Pay and conditions: Satisfaction with pay, benefits, and work-life balance is lower, while long hours and overtime remain common

• Financial constraints: Employers face tight budgets, rising costs, and economic uncertainty, risking workforce sustainability

LOOKING AHEAD: 2026 AND BEYOND

Without coordinated action, these pressures could limit quality, resilience, and long-term sustainability across the sector. The GMA Workforce Insight Report provides:

• A full evidence base on workforce trends

• An updated GMA salary framework

• A forward look to 2026

• The foundation for the GMA Fair Work Strategy, supporting employers and staff to strengthen standards, progression, and sustainability

Explore the key findings and discover what they mean for your organisation or career

Access the Workforce Resource ACCESS FULL REPORT (MEMBERS ONLY)