The Cogent Industries

Most goods used by people in their homes, at work and in their everyday activities are products derived from the chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries.

These industries combine to enable the production not only of fuel for cars and heating for homes, but also of bitumen, plastics, paints and inks, rubber, synthetic fibres for clothing, pharmaceuticals and the energy necessary for the whole country to function.

Nearly half a million people in the UK work in the industries represented by Cogent, from the operator on an oil platform in the North Sea to the shop assistant at the local petrol station, from the control room operator of a nuclear plant to the analyst in a chemicals processing laboratory.

The combined industries are of huge economic and strategic importance to the UK, contributing £46.69bn to its Gross Added Value. However, they face significant changes in the demands placed on their workforce from global competition, increasing public expectations for cleaner and safer products, new technology, workforce demographics and sustainable development requirements.


Select an industry from the list below to see key facts and figures.