Unemployment in United Kingdom
Unemployment in the United Kingdom is a critical barometer of economic health and societal stability, reflecting the interplay of factors such as economic growth, industrial trends, and government policies. It serves as a key indicator of labour market dynamics, influencing consumer spending, income distribution, and overall economic confidence. Understanding the causes and consequences of unemployment is essential for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike, as they navigate challenges such as technological change, globalization, and demographic shifts.
The rate of unemployment not only measures the availability of jobs but also impacts social cohesion and individual well-being. Persistent unemployment can lead to financial hardship, social exclusion, and reduced opportunities for career advancement. Moreover, structural changes within industries and shifts in global markets can affect job creation and retention, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to ensure a resilient labour market that accommodates diverse skills and aspirations.
UK Unemployment Rate 2025
The UK Unemployment rate in 2025 stands at 4.4%, higher than the rate from the same period in 2023, and has also increased in the latest quarter.
In February to April 2024, the UK’s employment rate of 74.3% is lower than the rate recorded a year earlier (February to April 2023) and has decreased in the most recent quarter.
The below table presents the UK jobless rate for the period from February to April 2025.
Time Period | UK Unemployment Rate (%) |
---|---|
February to April 2024 | 4.4 |
Unemployment in the United Kingdom remains a pressing issue, with approximately 11 million people currently without jobs in 2024. This statistic underscores the profound challenges facing the labour market, reflecting both structural factors and broader economic conditions.

What is the Current Unemployment Rate in UK?
The current UK unemployment rate stood at 4.4% during the period from February to April 2024, as reported by official statistics site (ons.gov.uk). This current figure represents the proportion of individuals aged 16 years and over who are actively seeking but unable to find employment.
UK Jobless Statistics 2025
Payrolled Employees | Decreased by 36,000 (0.1%) | March to April 2024 |
Increased by 201,000 (0.7%) | April 2023 to April 2024 | |
Decreased by 3,000 (0.0%) on the month | Early estimate for May 2024 (provisional) | |
Increased by 167,000 (0.6%) on the year | Early estimate for May 2024 (provisional) | |
Employment Rate (Age 16-64) | Estimated at 74.3%, decreased | February to April 2024 |
Workforce Jobs (WFJ) | Rose by 431,000 on the year | March 2024 |
Economic Inactivity Rate (Age 16-64) | Estimated at 22.3%, increased | February to April 2024 |
Vacancies | Decreased by 12,000 on the quarter | March to May 2024 |
- Payrolled Employees:
- Between March and April 2024, the number of payrolled employees decreased by 36,000, representing a 0.1% decline.
- However, from April 2023 to April 2024, payrolled employees increased by 201,000, indicating a 0.7% rise.
- The early estimate for May 2024 suggests a slight month-on-month decrease of 3,000 payrolled employees (0.0%), but a notable year-on-year increase of 167,000 (0.6%) to reach 30.3 million. This estimate is provisional and subject to revision.
- Employment Rate (Age 16-64):
- The UK jobless rate, which measures the proportion of people aged 16 to 64 who are employed, was estimated at 74.3% for the period from February to April 2024. This rate is below estimates from a year ago and has decreased in the latest quarter, indicating a slight downturn in employment levels among working-age individuals.
- Workforce Jobs (WFJ):
- As of March 2024, the total number of workforce jobs in the UK rose by 431,000 compared to the previous year, totalling 37.2 million. This increase includes both employee jobs and self-employment jobs, reflecting growth in overall job opportunities within the economy.
- Economic Inactivity Rate (Age 16-64):
- The economic inactivity rate, which measures the percentage of people aged 16 to 64 who are not actively seeking employment, was estimated at 22.3% for February to April 2024. This rate is above estimates from a year ago and has increased in the latest quarter, indicating higher levels of inactivity in the labour market.
- Vacancies:
- From March to May 2024, the estimated number of job vacancies in the UK decreased by 12,000 on the quarter, totalling 904,000 vacancies. Despite this quarterly decrease, vacancies remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, indicating ongoing demand for labour across various sectors.
These statistics provide insights into the current dynamics of the UK labour market, highlighting trends in employment levels, job creation, economic activity, and the availability of job opportunities. Monitoring these indicators is crucial for understanding the health of the economy, guiding policy decisions, and addressing challenges in the labour market to foster sustainable economic growth.
UK Unemployment Rate (last Decade)
Over the past decade, the UK’s unemployment rate has shown varying trends, influenced by economic conditions, policy interventions, and global economic factors. Starting at 7.9% in 2010 during the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the rate peaked at 8.1% in 2011 before gradually declining in subsequent years.
By 2015, the rate had dropped to 5.4%, indicating a recovery in the labour market as economic growth resumed and job creation expanded. From 2016 to 2019, the unemployment rate remained relatively stable, hovering between 3.9% and 4.9%, reflecting a period of economic stability and employment growth.
Year | Unemployment Rate of UK (%) |
---|---|
2010 | 7.9 |
2011 | 8.1 |
2012 | 8 |
2013 | 7.6 |
2014 | 6.2 |
2015 | 5.4 |
2016 | 4.9 |
2017 | 4.4 |
2018 | 4.2 |
2019 | 3.9 |
2020 | 4.7 |
2021 | 5 |
2022 | 3.9 |
2023 | 4 |
2024 | 4.4 |
In more recent years, the rate saw fluctuations amid global uncertainties such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the rate increased to 4.7% in 2020 amidst pandemic-related disruptions but recovered to 4.0% by 2023 as economic activities resumed, and government support measures were implemented. In 2025, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4%, indicating ongoing challenges in the labour market despite overall economic recovery efforts.
These trends in the UK’s unemployment rate highlight the resilience of the labour market in adapting to economic shocks, while underscoring the importance of policy responses and economic strategies in maintaining employment stability and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.