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 Q3 2021 stood at 2,465,700 after a rise of 113,400 (4.8%) from the previous quarter. This follows on from a seasonally adjusted increase in employment of 102,600 (+4.6%) in Q2 2021, a decrease of 10,700 (-0.5%) in Q1 2020, an increase of 16,000 (+0.7%) in Q4 2020 and an increase of 104,200 (+4.9%) in Q3 2020.
The seasonally adjusted number of males in employment was up by 42,600 (+3.4%) over the quarter to 1,310,300 in Q3 2021 while the corresponding number for females was up 72,100 (+6.7%) to 1,155,200 over the same period.
The seasonally adjusted number in employment for all persons in Q3 2021 is the current peak of the seasonally adjusted employment series for all persons (2,465,700) and also separately for males (1,310,300) and females (1,155,200). See Table 9.3.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers unemployed in Q3 2021 stood at 139,500 after a fall of 35,200 (-20.2%) from the previous quarter. This quarter was the lowest point of the series since Q2 2020 when it stood at 114,900.
The seasonally adjusted number of unemployed males fell by 21,100 (-22.2%) over the quarter to Q3 2021 while the corresponding number for females was down 14,100 (-17.7%) over the same period.
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment series occurred in Q1 2012 for all persons (354,100) 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 7.0% in Q2 2021 to 5.5% in Q3 2021 with decreases seen over the same period for both males (7.1% down to 5.5%) and females (6.8% down to 5.4%).
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.
The seasonally adjusted labour force, at 2,603,800 in Q3 2021, was up 72,700 (+2.9%) from the previous quarter while the participation rate was up from 63.6% to 65.2% over the same period.
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