In 2016 there was a total workforce of 486,000 across the city of Leicester and wider county of Leicestershire. The sectors with the highest numbers of employment include manufacturing, education, healthcare, and retail. Interestingly, there are more people working in sectors such as mining, transport and manufacturing in the region than the national average.

Exports are currently performing well in Leicester. There was a net increase in the period from 2016 to 2017, and a third of exporters have experienced a rise in the amount of goods exported. There has also been an overall increase in import levels; 26% of businesses in the sector have enjoyed a rise in imports.