Image: John Penrose welcomed the new BISL report

A new study commissioned by Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL) and compiled by global consulting firm Oliver Wyman has underlined the "significant contribution" of the UK leisure sector.

State of the UK Leisure Industry: A Driver for Growth – launched at an event in central London today (12 June) – found that the industry generates in excess of £200bn each year.

The study also revealed that leisure employs 2.6 million people, a figure second only to the retail sector and represents 8.8 per cent of the total UK workforce.

More than one fifth of 16-to-25-year-olds working in the UK (21 per cent) are currently employed within the sector, which is more than the combined total for manufacturing, construction and financial services.

BISL's report, which aims to demonstrate the role that leisure can play in creating jobs and delivering growth, contains a number of recommendations for the government to better support the sector.

Recommendations include encouraging businesses to employ more 16-to-25-year-olds who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) category through a flagship employment programme.

BISL also called for a designated cabinet member responsible for "championing" the sector, as well as a fairer taxation system and simplified planning and procurement processes.

Speaking at the report's launch, BISL chief executive Simon Johnson said: "This report shows the leisure industry deserves to be taken much more seriously.

"The leisure industry simply has not been acknowledged for its significant contribution to the UK economy – either as a major employer, as a major contributor to the economy or as a major catalyst for growth in employment."

Tourism minister John Penrose also attended the launch. He said: "There is an enormous amount to admire and like in this report. There are a number of things that I think the government instinctively agree with.

"I believe the best thing that government can do is create a safe regulatory environment in which BISL members do what you do best – create wealth and create jobs. We should be a support act, an assistant – not the leader."

Details: www.bisl.org (BISL)

Details: www.oliverwyman.com (Oliver Wyman)

Image: Apollo Photographers