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.
Seasonally Adjusted Employment
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers in employment in Q2 2021 stood at 2,352,500 after a rise of 102,600 (4.6%) from the previous quarter. This follows on from a seasonally adjusted decrease in employment of 10,300 (-0.5%) in Q1 2021, an increase of 15,900 (+0.7%) in Q4 2020, an increase of 104,100 (+4.9%) in Q3 2020 and a decrease of 226,800 (-9.6%) in Q2 2020.
The seasonally adjusted number of males in employment was up by 61,100 (+5.1%) over the quarter to 1,268,200 in Q2 2021 while the corresponding number for females was up 41,600 (+4.0%) to 1,083,200 over the same period.
The peak of the seasonally adjusted employment series occurred in Q1 2020 for all persons (2,367,100) and separately for males (1,274,700) and females (1,090,500). See Table 9.3.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers unemployed in Q2 2021 stood at 177,100 after a slight fall of 1,200 from the previous quarter. This quarter was the highest point of the series since Q3 2016 when it stood at 191,100.
The seasonally adjusted number of unemployed males rose by 1,300 (+1.4%) over the quarter to Q2 2021 while the corresponding number for females was down 2,500 (-3.0%) over the same period.
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment series occurred in Q1 2012 for all persons (354,000) and for females (133,900) while it was Q4 2011 for males (222,300). See Table 9.3.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 7.3% in Q1 2021 to 7.1% in Q2 2021 with decreases seen over the same period for both males (7.5% down to 7.1%) and females (7.4% down to 6.9%).
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate series occurred in Q4 2011 for all persons (16.1%) while it was in Q1 2012 for females (13.3%) and for males (18.3%). See Table 9.3.
Seasonally Adjusted Labour Force
The seasonally adjusted labour force, at 2,531,000 in Q2 2021, was up 110,100 (+4.5%) from the previous quarter while the participation rate was up from 60.4% to 63.1% over the same period.
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