GLA Economics Labour Market Updates (monthly)

Greater London Authority

Analysis of the labour market covering the latest developments.

The latest labour market bulletin from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests that labour market conditions in London have continued to improve in recent months, although some indicators remain weaker than a year ago.
London’s unemployment rate fell again in the three months to April 2026, while the employment rate increased. Although economic inactivity rose slightly in the latest quarter, it remained below the UK average. Workforce Jobs data also pointed to growth in the number of jobs during the first quarter of the year, with the strongest increases recorded in real estate, health, transport and storage, and construction.
The most timely PAYE estimates suggest a marginal decline in the number of payrolled employees in May 2026. However, the April estimate was revised upwards substantially in the latest release, indicating a more stable picture than earlier estimates suggested. Real wages also continue to rise as pay growth remains above inflation, although the pace of growth has moderated in recent months.
Despite recent improvements, some signs of weakness remain. Unemployment is still higher than normal in London, workforce jobs remained below their level a year earlier and online job postings volumes are low even after accounting for seasonality.

When using outputs from this analysis you should be aware of the following caveats:

•The analysis is not intended to be comprehensive or exhaustive. It is a snapshot analysis of key data as it pertains to London.

•The analysis does not represent the full body of evidence on which Mayoral Policies are, or will be, based.

We advise that our outputs are triangulated with other sources of information and analysis to develop a rounded statistical picture of any specific policy issues.

169 files

Labour market update for London - June 2026 (8.45 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - June 2026 (10.30 MB)
Labour market update for London - May 2026 (8.41 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - May 2026 (10.30 MB)
Labour market update for London - April 2026 (8.41 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - April 2026 (10.29 MB)
Labour market update for London - March 2026 (8.43 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - March 2026 (10.30 MB)
Labour market update for London - February 2026 (8.40 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - February 2026 (10.30 MB)
Labour market update for London - January 2026 (8.40 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - January 2026 (10.30 MB)
Labour market update for London - December 2025 (8.42 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - December 2025 (10.30 MB)
Labour market update for London - November 2025 (8.38 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - November 2025 (10.30 MB)
Labour market update for London - October 2025 (8.41 MB)
Our regular analysis of headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - October 2025 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - September 2025 (8.42 MB)
Our regular analysis of headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - September 2025 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
PAYE employments by nationality - August 2025 (5.14 MB)
Annual analysis of trends in payrolled employee jobs by worker nationality and industry in London using PAYE data.
Labour market update for London - August 2025 (8.41 MB)
Aug 2025
Our regular analysis of headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - August 2025 (10.30 MB)
Aug 2025
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - July 2025 (8.40 MB)
Our regular analysis of headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - July 2025 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - June 2025 (8.42 MB)
Our regular analysis of headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - June 2025 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - May 2025 (8.41 MB)
Our regular analysis of headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - May 2025 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - April 2025 (8.41 MB)
Our regular analysis of headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - April 2025 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - March 2025 (8.46 MB)
Our regular analysis of headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - March 2025 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - February 2025 (8.41 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - February 2025 (10.31 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - January 2025 (8.41 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - January 2025 (10.32 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - December 2024 (8.47 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - December 2024 (10.32 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - November 2024 (8.39 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - November 2024 (10.31 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - October 2024 (8.39 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - October 2024 (10.32 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - September 2024 (8.44 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - September 2024 (10.32 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - August 2024 (8.39 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - August 2024 (10.31 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - July 2024 (8.37 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - July 2024 (10.31 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - June 2024 (8.42 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - June 2024 (10.31 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - May 2024 (8.34 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - May 2024 (10.31 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - April 2024 (8.34 MB)
Due to a technical issue in processing data revisions, the London Labour Market Update published on Tuesday, April 16 contained out-of-date estimates for UK employment, inactivity and unemployment rates for the November-January period. These discrepancies were small and the reported rates for London are unaffected.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - April 2024 (10.31 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - March 2024 (8.19 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - March 2024 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - February 2024 (8.33 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - February 2024 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - January 2024 (8.26 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - January 2024 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - December 2023 (8.30 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - December 2023 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - November 2023 (8.14 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - November 2023 (10.11 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - October 2023 (8.16 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - October 2023 (10.30 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - September 2023 (8.21 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
(NB. Document title updated with correct month (September)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - September 2023 (10.11 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - August 2023 (8.13 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - August 2023 (10.06 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - July 2023 (8.12 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - July 2023 (10.06 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - June 2023 (8.16 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - June 2023 (10.06 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - May 2023 (8.12 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - May 2023 (11.74 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - April 2023 (9.55 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - April 2023 (11.63 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - March 2023 (9.58 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - March 2023 (11.63 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - February 2023 (9.55 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - February 2023 (11.63 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - January 2023 (9.54 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - January 2023 (11.63 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - December 2022 (9.57 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - December 2022 (11.63 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - November 2022 (9.55 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - November 2022 (11.63 MB)
An in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Out-of-work trends in London (2.80 MB)
This report reviews trends in unemployment and economic inactivity since 2010.
Labour market update for London - October 2022 (9.51 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - October 2022 (11.59 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - September 2022 (11.22 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - September 2022 (11.59 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - August 2022 (9.53 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - August 2022 (11.63 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - July 2022 (9.53 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - July 2022 (11.59 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - June 2022 (9.55 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - June 2022 (11.59 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Inactivity trends in London: are Londoners aged 50 and over leaving the labour market? (879.61 kB)
Ad hoc analysis on post-pandemic inactivity trends in London, with a focus on the over 50s age group.
Labour market update for London - May 2022 (9.47 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - May 2022 (11.59 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - April 2022 (9.47 MB)
Our regular analysis on headline labour market indicators for London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - April 2022 (11.58 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - March 2022 (8.03 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - March 2022 (10.17 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - February 2022 (7.99 MB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - February 2022 (10.16 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - January 2022 (10.07 MB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Labour market update for London - January 2022 (7.98 MB)
Labour market update for London - December 2021 (7.51 MB)
Labour market update for London - November 2021.pdf (573.13 kB)
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London - November 2021 (322.58 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - October 2021 (249.55 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Analysis of SEISS statistics for London - October 2021.pdf (348.73 kB)
Briefing on the latest official statistics from the HMRC on the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
Labour market update for London - October 2021.pdf (561.95 kB)
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London - October 2021 (350.42 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme
Analysis of SEISS statistics for London - September 2021.pdf (342.70 kB)
Briefing on the latest official statistics from the HMRC on the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - September 2021 (247.02 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London
Labour market update for London - September 2021 (636.86 kB)
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London - September 2021 (331.70 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - August 2021.pdf (369.79 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London
Labour market update for London - August 2021 (582.53 kB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - July 2021 (285.88 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London - 27 July 2021 (297.13 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme
Analysis of SEISS statistics for London - July 2021 (336.62 kB)
Labour market update for London - July 2021 (554.79 kB)
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London - July 2021 (148.58 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - June 2021 (262.24 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London
Analysis of SEISS statistics for London - June 2021 (323.48 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the self-employment scheme
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London - June 2021 (247.41 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme
Labour market update for London - June 2021 (566.31 kB)
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - May 2021 (265.18 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London
Labour market update for London - May 2021 (701.60 kB)
Labour market update for London - April 2021.pdf (728.95 kB)
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London - March 2021 (228.67 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme.
Labour market update for London - March 2021 (682.89 kB)
Analysis of SEISS statistics for London - February 2021 (217.77 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the self-employment scheme
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London - February 2021 (220.24 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme.
Labour market update for London - February 2021 (698.31 kB)
Latest labour market estimates for London
Claimant Count data for London Boroughs - February 2021 (390.61 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London.
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London January 2021.pdf (393.18 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme.
Labour market update for London - January 2021 (650.72 kB)
Latest labour market estimates for London
Labour market data for London Boroughs - January 2021 (304.50 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London. It should be noted that while some new claimants of unemployment related benefits will be wholly unemployed and seeking work, others may be temporarily inactive or away from work, or employed but with low earnings.
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London 17th December.pdf (475.29 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme.
Covid-19 Labour Market RoundUp December.pdf (1.35 MB)
A round up of the key developments in the labour market and overview of emerging trends and timely evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on London’s Labour market. Please note that whilst this is a general overview of key findings, it may not capture every aspect.
Labour market data for London Boroughs - December 2020 (352.71 kB)
A more in-depth look at the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits (the Claimant Count) by local authority in London. It should be noted that while some new claimants of unemployment related benefits will be wholly unemployed and seeking work, others may be temporarily inactive or away from work, or employed but with low earnings.
Labour market update for London - December 2020 (242.26 kB)
Latest labour market estimates for London
Estimates of increased jobs at risk from furlough if London moves to Tier 3 (82.28 kB)
Analysis of SEISS statistics for London 25th November.pdf (744.69 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the self-employment scheme
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London 25th November.pdf (828.92 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme
Labour market update for London - November 2020 (324.04 kB)
Latest labour market estimates for London
Covid-19 Labour Market Round Up November.pdf (679.89 kB)
A round up of the key developments in the labour market and overview of emerging trends and timely evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on London’s Labour market. Please note that whilst this is a general overview of key findings, it may not capture every aspect.
Labour market update for London - October 2020 (378.93 kB)
Latest labour market estimates for London
Analysis of SEISS statistics for London 26th October.pdf (285.93 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the self-employment scheme
Analysis of CJRS statistics for London 22nd October.pdf (616.26 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough scheme
Analysis of CJRS and SEISS statistics for London 24th September (672.84 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough and self-employment schemes.
Labour market update for London - September 2020 (394.09 kB)
Latest labour market estimates for London
Beneath the headline labour market statistics - 14 September 2020 (366.67 kB)
Analysis looking at some key breakdowns of the headline London labour market estimates. This data comes from the April-June 2020 Labour Force Survey quarter.
Analysis of CJRS and SEISS statistics for London 26th August (479.71 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC's official statistics on the furlough and self-employment schemes
Labour market update for London - August 2020 (474.46 kB)
Latest labour market estimates for London
Covid-19 Labour Market Round Up August.pdf (1.78 MB)
A round up of the key developments in the labour market and overview of emerging trends and timely evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on London’s Labour market. Please note that whilst this is a general overview of key findings, it may not capture every aspect.
Analysis of CJRS and SEISS statistics for London 16th July (447.08 kB)
Briefing on the latest HMRC’s official statistics on the furlough and self-employment support schemes
Labour market update for London - July 2020.pdf (321.30 kB)
Latest labour market estimates for London
Furlough scheme patterns across London.pdf 18 June (277.37 kB)
Brief correlational analysis on furlough and others statistics looking at patterns across London.
Covid-19 Labour Market RoundUp 27th May.pdf (1.13 MB)
A round up of the key developments in the labour market and overview of emerging trends and timely evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on London’s Labour market. Please note that whilst this is a general overview of key findings, it may not capture every aspect
.
Analysis of CJRS and SEISS statistics for London 12th June (499.87 kB)
An overview on HMRC'S official statistics on the furlough and self-employment support schemes.
Covid-19 Labour Market RoundUp 4th May.pdf (1.07 MB)
A round up of the key developments in the labour market and overview of emerging trends and timely evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on London’s Labour market. Please note that whilst this is a general overview of key findings, it may not capture every aspect
.