The estimates presented in these slides cover the period prior to the implementation of the coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing measures.

Employment rate in London hit record high

• In the three months to February 2020, London’s 16-64 employment rate was estimated at 76.7%, the highest level since the series began (in 1992). This was up by 1.1 percentage points on the previous quarter and by 1.9 percentage points up on the year.
• For the UK the employment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points on the previous year, reaching 76.6%.

Note on interpreting labour market data: many of the statistics presented here are estimates based on a survey, and as such have a margin of error – known as sampling variability

Source: ONS Labour Force Survey 2020

Unemployment rate in the capital was broadly unchanged

• The unemployment rate in the capital was 4.5%, 0.2 percentage points up on the quarter but unchanged on the year.
• The UK unemployment rate was estimated at 4.0%, 0.1 percentage points up on the quarter and, similarly, unchanged on the year.

Source: ONS Labour Force Survey 2020

Inactivity rate in London continued falling

• In the three months to February 2020 the rate of economic inactivity in London (the proportion of 16 to 64 year olds not in work and not looking for or not able to work) was 19.7%, down 1.3 percentage points on the previous quarter and 1.9 percentage points down on the year.
• The UK’s rate of economic inactivity was slightly higher at 20.2%, down 0.3 percentage points on the previous quarter and 0.4 percentage points on the year.

Source: ONS Labour Force Survey 2020

Summary of headline indicators for London and the UK

*All figures are seasonally adjusted. Rates are based on working age (16 – 64 male and female), except for the unemployment rate which is age 16+.

Source: ONS Labour Force Survey 2020