The East Anglia county of Suffolk counts Suffolk County Council and the National Health Service as the provider of most employment opportunities in the region, while 25% of workers fall under the umbrella of development, health and society industries.
Agriculture and farming is a large part of Suffolk's economy, with arable farming at its core. About one million staff members work within land based or environmental sectors, with wheat and barley being the largest field, and pig farming and poultry following behind.
Recruitment agencies can also be found advertising on behalf of large employers in the county, including Bury St Edmunds-based Branston Pickle, Birds Eye, Greene King and Huntley and Palmers. There is also Newmarket, home of horse racing, and Sizewell's nuclear power station, which require specialist employees.
Tourism is also a vital part of Suffolk's economy, bringing in £1 billion to the area. This is most obvious in historic towns on the coast, such as Aldeburgh and Southwold.
Suffolk fares well in the economic stakes, with statistics showing it has higher than average employment rates, faring about 7 per cent higher than average in the UK. The percentage of higher-level educated residents, however, comes in at way under the national average, with just 26% gaining NVQ 4 equivalent or above. The average weekly wage is about £454.
