Discover key figures on actual weekly hours worked from the Labour Force Survey and learn how the rolling three-month, seasonally adjusted dataset is organised and accessed
The actual weekly hours worked dataset provides a detailed view of working patterns across the UK. Compiled from the Labour Force Survey, it reports hours for different groups including by sex, full-time and part-time workers, and individuals with second jobs.
The series is presented as rolling three-monthly figures and is published on a monthly cadence. These data are presented as seasonally adjusted to help users compare periods without the distorting effect of predictable seasonal variations. The dataset is catalogued as official statistics that remain in development, which means methods and presentation are subject to refinement.
This resource is aimed at analysts, researchers and policy professionals who need a reliable indicator of changes in working time over short intervals. Because the numbers summarise actual hours rather than contractual hours, they reflect real labour input and can be useful when evaluating productivity, labour supply and household income trends.
The dataset is updated monthly, capturing the latest rolling window of three months to smooth short-term volatility while retaining responsiveness to emerging changes in the labour market.
What the dataset covers
The dataset includes breakdowns by sex and by employment pattern: full-time, part-time and those holding second jobs. Each entry in the series represents the sum or average of actual hours worked within the three-month rolling window. The use of a rolling three-month approach means each published point overlaps with the previous and next points, reducing month-to-month noise and making short-term trends easier to interpret. Users should note that the figures represent time actually worked rather than contractual hours, which can diverge where overtime, leave or irregular shifts occur.
Breakdowns and useful distinctions
The dataset organises hours into categories that allow comparisons across demographic and job-type groups. For example, comparisons between full-time and part-time groups show differences in average hours, while the second jobs series highlights additional labour market participation beyond primary employment. Because the data are drawn from the Labour Force Survey, sample design and weighting affect precision; detailed documentation typically accompanies the release to explain definitions, sample sizes and limitations. Analysts should consult those methodological notes before conducting granular subgroup analysis.
Methodology, seasonal adjustment and status
Data originate from the Labour Force Survey, a major household survey designed to measure employment patterns across the UK. The series is published as seasonally adjusted, which removes regular seasonal patterns such as holiday-related shifts in hours. The seasonal adjustment process uses established statistical techniques to isolate the underlying trend and short-term movements. Because this is an official statistic in development, users are advised that methods, seasonal adjustment models or publication formats may be refined over time. The documentation accompanying the dataset will highlight any changes to methodology or revisions to historical values.
Interpretation guidance
When using these figures, remember that the rolling three-month format smooths monthly fluctuations; sharp one-off events may appear attenuated. The focus on actual weekly hours worked distinguishes these data from measures of contracted hours or headcount, making them especially relevant for assessing real labour input and short-run shifts in working patterns. Because the dataset is updated monthly, it serves as an intermediate-frequency indicator useful for timely monitoring between quarterly economic releases.
Access, file formats and versioning
The dataset is available for download in common formats. The current release includes an xls file (275.5 KB) for straightforward inspection and local analysis. Users requiring programmatic access or integration into analysis pipelines should check the accompanying metadata and documentation for variable names and any coding conventions. Historical releases and earlier editions are retained and made accessible so that users can trace revisions and compare previous methodological choices. The presence of previous versions supports reproducibility and helps users understand any breaks or adjustments in the time series.
Practical tips for users
To make best use of the dataset, combine the actual weekly hours series with complementary labour market indicators—such as employment levels and unemployment rates—to gain a fuller picture of labour supply and utilization. When citing the data, reference the Labour Force Survey and note that the statistics are classified as official and are in development. For technical questions or clarification about the seasonal adjustment or rolling window approach, consult the dataset documentation or contact the data provider directly to ensure accurate interpretation and application.
