Out of work benefits

Claimants of unemployment related benefits including Employment and Support Allowance and other incapacity benefits, and Income Support and Pension Credit.

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Claimant Count : K02000001 UK : People : SA : Thousands

1,664.5

2026 JUL

Release date:
18 August 2026
Next release:
15 September 2026
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Labour market overview, UK: August 2026

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  • Estimates for payrolled employees in the UK fell by 78,000 (0.3%) between June 2025 and June 2026. However, it was largely unchanged on the month, decreasing by 13,000 (0.0%) between May and June 2026. This is based on administrative data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
  • When looking at April to June 2026, the period comparable with our Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates, the number of payrolled employees fell by 86,000 (0.3%) over the year and by 37,000 (0.1%) over the quarter.
  • The early estimate of payrolled employees for July 2026 decreased by 94,000 (0.3%) on the year, but was largely unchanged on the month, decreasing by 13,000 (0.0%) to 30.3 million. Figures for July should be treated as provisional estimates and are likely to be revised when more data are received next month. We publish information on revisions to payrolled employees monthly. We have also published analysis of recent revisions in our LFS quality update: January 2026 article.
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