The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data showing that a record 256,111 National Insurance numbers were allocated to adult overseas nationals between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. This marks a 10% increase from the previous year and a significant trend in the UK's migration patterns and workforce diversity.
The data is part of the ONS's series on International Migration, which aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the UK's migration flows. The statistics reveal that the majority of new National Insurance numbers were allocated to nationals from outside the EU, with the top five countries of origin being Poland, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
The allocation of National Insurance numbers is a key indicator of labour market activity and immigration trends in the UK. It is used to track changes in the composition and size of the workforce, and to inform policy decisions related to migration and workforce development.
The ONS data also highlights the changing demographics of the UK labour market, with a growing proportion of workers born outside the UK. This trend is likely to have implications for workforce skills, productivity, and innovation, as well as for public services and infrastructure.