Animal technology is the promotion and maintenance of animals used in scientific research, together with the husbandry, care and welfare of animals bred and used in this work.
Animal technologists can also be involved with the scientific work and hold Home Office licences allowing them to perform authorised procedures on animals.
Measuring the size of the industry is difficult because of its sensitive nature. It is estimated that across the UK there are about 285 businesses currently employing 3,400 people.
Organisational breakdown by main activity is:
On the horizon
New molecular biology techniques will lead to an increase in the use of genetically modified animals. New regulatory proposals set out in the European Union Chemicals Strategy White Paper will, if agreed and implemented, also lead to increased use of animals for human health and safety purposes.
It has been argued that strict government regulations on animal use are needed in order to keep control of a sensitive industry. However, it has also been argued that the bureaucracy makes it difficult to compete with other overseas research groups.
The UK’s licensing system is the tightest in the world and permits only essential research with clear medical benefits. This, and other external forces, has meant that to some extent enterprise has been thwarted.
The UK has a strong reputation in the research and development of new drugs and drug discovery. There is therefore a demand for the services of animal breeders and technologists.
The industry is suffering from a shortage of skilled labour. This is partly due to the bad public image of animal testing and the fear of reprisals from animal rights organisations. There is also a reducing interest in ‘care’ professions which is harming recruitment.
Digging deeper
Our research helps us to ensure education and training is relevant to your industry. We study the skills and labour requirements of the animal technology industry, and ensure these needs are met through your training.
For more detailed information, read the Animal Technology Sector Skills Agreement Report and Annex here.
