The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released the first quarterly official statistics on Connect to Work, offering a comprehensive overview of the UK job market. The data covers the period from January to March 2026, providing insights into employment rates, unemployment rates, and jobseeker activity. According to the statistics, the UK's employment rate has remained relatively stable, with 75.1% of the population aged 16 to 64 in work. However, the unemployment rate has increased slightly, with 4.2% of the population unemployed. The number of jobseekers has also risen, with 1.3 million individuals looking for work.
The statistics also reveal trends in the UK labour market, including a shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors. The ONS notes that the data will be used to inform policies aimed at supporting employment and reducing unemployment. The release of these statistics marks the beginning of a new series of official quarterly data on Connect to Work, which will provide valuable insights into the UK job market. The next release is expected in May 2026.