Can people find work?

Unemployment is 4.9%. There are about 4 job openings for every 10 people looking for work.

• How many people are out of work?

  4.9%

  May to July 2026

  Same as February to April 2026

  Warning signUnemployment is higher than usual for the past decade.

  ONS · Next update 20 Oct 2026

• How many jobs are at risk?

  50,904

  September 2026

  Up from 19,557 in August 2026

  Warning signJob cuts in September 2026 are at least 1.75 times typical.

  the Insolvency Service · 5 Oct 2026

• How many jobs are on offer?

  702,000

  June to August 2026

  Down from 710,000 in March to May 2026

  Warning signFewer jobs on offer than usual.

  ONS · Next update 20 Oct 2026

• What share of working-age people are in work?

  75.1%

  May to July 2026

  Same as February to April 2026

  ONS · Next update 20 Oct 2026

• How many people are not working because of long-term sickness?

  2,780,000

  May to July 2026

  Up from 2,772,000 in February to April 2026

  ONS · Next update 20 Oct 2026

• What share of working-age people are not looking for work?

  20.9%

  May to July 2026

  Down from 21.0% in February to April 2026

  ONS · Next update 20 Oct 2026

• How many job openings are there for each person looking for work?

  0.40

  May to July 2026

  Same as February to April 2026

  ONS · Next update 20 Oct 2026

• Where is unemployment highest?

  6.8%

  London, May to July 2026

  Up from 6.7% in February to April 2026

  ONS · Next update 20 Oct 2026