The theme park, which is set to be one of the largest in Europe, will bring nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction period with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
Universal has committed to working with local colleges and universities to train the next generation of its hospitality workforce, including through a range of apprenticeships and internships.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI and tourism.
“It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”
Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year – becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations & Experiences, added: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe. We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”