New stats show highest job creation from foreign investment in a decade

• New DIT data shows jobs from inward investment up 53 percent from last year
• 330,000 jobs created across the UK by overseas investment since 2017/18
• Investment has supported clean tech and renewables industries in particular

The Department for International Trade’s 2021/2022 Inward Investment Results have been published today, showing nearly 330,000 jobs were created thanks to investment from overseas between 2017/18 and 2021/2022. 

Inward investment created nearly 85,000 jobs in 2021-2022, 53 percent more than the previous year and a 10-year high.

Of the 85,000 jobs created in 2021/22, 73,000 were created with support from DIT or one of its regional or local partners.

This reflects a renewed government commitment to reaching Net Zero, with £13 billion in investment going to projects that directly contribute to fulfilling the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.

Inward investment also delivered growth across the UK. Job creation from foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Northern Powerhouse region more than doubled in the last financial year [7,094 in 2020/21 to 15,061 in 2021/22] and 65 percent of new jobs created from single-sited investments landed outside London and the South East of England.

Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP said:

“These are our highest job-creating figures for a decade, and show the power of inward investment to grow businesses, support jobs and boost local economies.

“From pension funds to high-tech manufacturing, we are committed to securing inward investment to help level up the country, and continue to back businesses with tailored support for budding investors and ambitious trade deals that unlock greater access to global markets. 

“It’s great to see our approach working, and I look forward to see the fruits of this investment up and down the country in the years ahead.”

Notes to Editors:

• A link to the Inward Investment Results for 2021/2022 can be found here.
• Further information on the regions in England’s success in securing FDI projects and new jobs can be found below: