UK Employment Rises More Than Expected

The number of employed people in the United Kingdom rose by 82,000 to 34.303 million in the three months to November 2025, exceeding expectations of a 27,000 increase and following a 16,000 decline in the previous period. The growth was largely driven by higher employee numbers, while full-time self-employment declined and part-time self-employment rose. Compared with a year earlier, employment increased by 513,000, supported by gains in both employees and part-time self-employed workers. Meanwhile, the employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 remained unchanged at 75.1%. The number of individuals holding second jobs rose slightly to 1.294 million, representing 3.8% of the employed population.

The number of employed people in the United Kingdom fell by 16,000 to 34.23 million in the three months to October 2025, following a 22,000 decline in the previous period. This marks the second consecutive decrease in job creation since March last year, largely driven by a drop in full-time positions. Compared with a year earlier, employment rose 448,000, driven by an increase in both the number of employees and part-time self-employed workers, while full-time self-employed workers declined. Meanwhile, the employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 fell by 0.3 percentage points to 74.9%. The number of individuals holding second jobs rose slightly to 1.302 million, representing 3.8% of the employed population.

The number of employed people in the United Kingdom rose by 91 thousand in the three months to August 2025, following a 232 thousand increase in the previous period. This marks the smallest job creation in four months, as gains in part-time roles and employees aged 65 and over were partially offset by declines in employment among those aged 16 to 64 years. Compared to a year earlier, employment increased by 473 thousand, with growth recorded among both full-time and part-time workers, including employees and the self-employed. Meanwhile, the employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 fell by 0.2 percentage points to 75.1%. The number of people holding second jobs decreased slightly in the quarter but rose over the year to 1.323 million, equivalent to 3.86% of total employment.