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Posted around 11 months ago •
In the three months to September 2025, unemployment and redundancy levels both rose while the number of employed people and payrolled employees fell, vacancy levels plateaued, and wage growth in the private sector is gradually falling. Consequently, the labour market picture is fundamentally the same, and the jobs market is continuing to show signs of weakening.
In the quarter to July 2026, headline employment and unemployment held broadly as they were, and economic inactivity fell. Meanwhile, youth unemployment climbed to 16.4%, vacancies fell again, and regular pay growth held steady.
In the quarter to June 2026, employment rose, headline unemployment fell and economic inactivity was broadly unchanged. Meanwhile, youth unemployment remained above 16%, vacancies fell again, and regular pay growth showed signs of resilience.
In the quarter to May 2026, employment levels rose, unemployment and economic inactivity fell, vacancy levels showed signs of stabilising, and nominal regular wage growth remained at its lowest level in over five years. Concerningly high youth unemployment levels have also persisted.