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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. This is after only some experimental headline data was published between October 2023 and January 2024 due to falling response rates. In December 2024, the ONS reweighted some labour market data with new population estimates. The ONS have said that the reintroduced LFS estimates should be treated with additional caution. The Library briefing UK Labour market statistics provides more information.

There were 1.57 million unemployed people in the UK in September to November 2024, an increase of 186,000 from the previous year. 

The unemployment rate was 4.4% (the percentage of the economically active population who are unemployed), up from 4.0% a year before.  

Line chart showing UK unemployment for people aged over 16 between 2016 to 2025.  Trends are described on the webpage.

628,000 young people aged 16-24 were unemployed in September to November 2024, 98,000 more than the year before. 

The unemployment rate for 1624 year olds was 14.5%, an increase from 12.4% a year before. 

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.

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