Hay, Powys: Jobs
Jobs
Hay's job market is dominated by retail, health, and construction. What really stands out is how many people work from home — around 30%, which is well above the national average. This reflects both the neighbourhood's rural character and the broader shift toward flexible working.
Retail and wholesale is the biggest employer, accounting for roughly 22% of working residents. Health and social work comes second at about 14%, followed by construction at 10%. These three sectors alone make up nearly half of all local employment.
If you do commute out of the neighbourhood, you'll most likely drive. Agriculture employs relatively few residents despite the rural setting, which suggests most locals work in service roles rather than on the land.
Source: Census 2021 (ONS)
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Work patterns in this area
Commute to work
70%
Work from home
30%
Local employers by sector
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
22%
Human health and social work activities
14%
Construction
10%
Accommodation and food service activities
10%
Manufacturing
8%
Administrative and support service activities
6%
Professional, scientific and technical activities
6%
Education
5%
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
4%
Other industries (arts, leisure, personal services)
4%
