LFS estimates were updated on 22nd Feb 2024 to incorporate updated population estimates for the period 2016 Q3 to 2023 Q3, based on the results of Census 2022. LFS results are updated in this way following each Census of Population. For further information see Background Notes.
The data in this publication does not reflect these updates. Please refer to the relevant tables on LFS Px-stat for updated LFS estimates.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers in employment in Q1 2023 stood at 2,623,300 after a rise of 49,300 (+1.9%) from the previous quarter. This follows on from a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter increase in employment in each of the preceding four quarters – 19,900 (+0.8%) in Q4 2022; 13,400 (+0.5%) in Q3 2022; 18,700 (+0.7%) in Q2 2022 and an increase of 19,000 (+0.8%) in Q1 2022.
The seasonally adjusted number of males in employment was up by 25,900 (+1.9%) over the quarter to 1,396,200 in Q1 2023, while the corresponding number for females was up 25,300 (+2.1%) to 1,227,600 over the same period.
The seasonally adjusted number in employment for all persons in Q1 2023 is the current peak of the seasonally adjusted employment series for all persons (2,623,300). The Q1 2023 figures for males (1,396,200) and females (1,227,600) are also the peak in their series - See Table 5.1
See Monthly Estimates of Payroll Employees using Administrative Data Sources outputs for supplementary analysis on seasonally adjusted employment.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers unemployed in Q1 2023 stood at 112,700, a fall of 6,400 (-5.4%) from the previous quarter.
The seasonally adjusted number of unemployed males increased by 500 (+0.9%) to 61,400 over the quarter to Q1 2023, while the corresponding number for females was down 6,900 (-11.9%) to 51,300 over the same period.
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment series occurred in Q1 2012 for all persons (354,300) and for females (133,800). while it was Q4 2011 for males (222,400). See Table 5.1
See Monthly Unemployment outputs for supplementary analysis of seasonally adjusted unemployment.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.4% in Q4 2022 to 4.1% in Q1 2023, with no change seen over the same period for males (4.3%) and a decrease in the female unemployment rate (4.6% down to 4.0%).
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate series occurred in Q4 2011 and Q1 2012 for all persons (15.9%), Q1 2012 for females (13.3%) while it was in Q4 2011 for males (18.2%). See Table 5.1.
The seasonally adjusted labour force, at 2,733,200 in Q1 2023, was up 43,800 (1.6%) from the previous quarter, while the participation rate was up from 64.7% to 65.2% over the same period. See Table 5.1.
