The UK’s unemployment rate was estimated at 4.4% for the period between November 2024 and January 2025, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
While the number of payrolled employees increased by 9,000 month-on-month in January 2025, it showed a quarterly decline of 9,000 compared to the previous quarter. However, year-on-year, there was a rise of 72,000 employees.
The overall employment rate for individuals aged 16 to 64 was pegged at 75%.
Additionally, economic inactivity stood at 21.5% during this period. Despite the slight monthly decline, workforce jobs increased by 403,000 year-on-year, with the largest rise observed in the employee jobs category.
The data also revealed regional disparities, with the highest employment rate recorded in the South West at 79.
1% and the lowest in Wales at 69.9%. London experienced the highest unemployment rate at 6.3%, while Northern Ireland saw the lowest at 1.5%.
Public sector employment also saw a rise of 53,000 year-on-year, reaching 6.14 million by December 2024. Despite ongoing labor disputes resulting in 50,000 lost working days in January 2025, the UK labor market continues to demonstrate resilience amidst global challenges.
