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Economic indicators are quick-read summaries of the latest data focusing on different aspects of the UK economy. The full suite of indicators can be found on the main Economic Indicators page.

In February 2024, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reintroduced Labour Force Survey (LFS) data, which also includes a population reweighting. The ONS have said these estimates should be treated with additional caution.

34.0 million people were in employment in December to February 2025, which was around 680,000 more than the year before.

Line chart showing unemployment rate for the UK for people aged over 16 between 2016 to 2024. Unemployment rates increased by around 1 million people from 2008 to 2012, and then fell by a similar amount over a longer period up to 2019. Unemployment increased during the pandemic, and rates fell back around pre-pandemic levels over 2022 and have remained at similar levels since the middle of 2022. Rates have been erratic in 2024, possibly due to survey error.

In December to February 2025, 25.50 million people were working full-time while 8.43 million were working part-time. 4.39 million were self-employed and 29.36 million were working as employees.

The employment rate has been between 74% and 76% since 2016. It increased from 74% in 2016 to 76% at the end of 2019, but fell to 74% at the end of 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic.  Levels have increased to around 75% since then.

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