Explore the latest changes in UK employment statistics and salary trends as of November 2025, highlighting key shifts across various sectors.
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The landscape of UK employment has shifted significantly, with the total number of payrolled employees recorded at 30.3 million. This figure reflects a decrease of 0.6%, translating to a loss of 171,000 positions. Understanding these changes is crucial for grasping the current economic climate and its implications for various sectors.
The healthcare and social work sector experienced a significant increase, adding 31,000 employees, while the wholesale and retail sector reported the largest decline, shedding 70,000 jobs. These early estimates are based on approximately 85% of the total data and will be refined in upcoming reports.
The facts
Early figures indicate a slight month-to-month decrease in employment, with a 0.1% dip compared to the previous month. These numbers are provisional and may be adjusted once more comprehensive data becomes available. The methodology utilized for these estimates adheres to international standards, ensuring a reliable overview of the labour market.
Trends over time
From mid-2016 to 2019, the annual growth rate of employees ranged between 1.0% and 1.5%. A downward trend began in early 2019, which steepened following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial recovery was observed in early 2025, but growth rates began to decline again by April 2025, influenced by previous high employment figures.
Changes in pay rates
The median monthly pay stood at £2,543, marking an increase of 2.7% from the prior year. This upward trend in pay growth has been notable since June 2025, following a downturn during the pandemic. Pay growth has seen increasing volatility, particularly in late 2025.
Regional pay variations
The distribution of pay across various regions in the UK reveals significant disparities. For instance, median pay across NUTS3 regions ranges from £2,212 in Leicester to £3,850 in Wandsworth. In London, median pay was recorded at £2,984, showcasing differences between inner and outer London as well as other regions.
Changes in payrolled employees across regions between November 2025 and November 2025 indicate growth of 1.2% in Northern Ireland, contrasting with a 0.9% decrease observed in London. The fluctuations highlight the complex dynamics of the UK job market.
Sector-specific analysis
Analysis of various sectors reveals the largest employment changes occurred in health and social work, with an increase of 31,000 employees. In contrast, the wholesale and retail sector reported a loss of 70,000 employees, showcasing divergent trends across industries.
Median pay varied significantly among sectors. The finance and insurance sector had the highest median at £4,185, while accommodation and food services lagged with a median of £1,393. These figures underscore the impact of sectoral performance on overall earnings.
Demographically, 94.5% of payrolled employees are aged between 18 and 64 years. Over the past year, there has been a decline of 60,000 employees under 25, while the age group of 35 to 49 years saw an increase of 58,000. This shift may reflect broader trends in workforce participation.
The healthcare and social work sector experienced a significant increase, adding 31,000 employees, while the wholesale and retail sector reported the largest decline, shedding 70,000 jobs. These early estimates are based on approximately 85% of the total data and will be refined in upcoming reports.0
