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 2022 stood at 2,551,900 after a rise of 8,300 (+0.3%) from the previous quarter. This follows on from a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter increase in employment in each of the preceding four quarters – 17,600 (+0.7%) in Q2 2022; 26,600 (+1.1%) in Q1 2022; 32,000 (+1.3%) in Q4 2021 and an increase of 126,800 (+5.4%) in Q3 2021.
The seasonally adjusted number of males in employment was up by 800 (+0.1%) over the quarter to 1,360,300 in Q3 2022 while the corresponding number for females was up 1,500 (+0.1%) to 1,189,400 over the same period.
The seasonally adjusted number in employment for all persons in Q3 2022 is the current peak of the seasonally adjusted employment series for all persons (2,551,900). The Q3 2022 figures for males (1,360,300) and females (1,189,400) 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 Q3 2022 stood at 114,700, a fall of 100 (-0.1%) from the previous quarter. Q3 2022 was the lowest point in the series since Q3 2007 when it stood at 114,200.
The seasonally adjusted number of unemployed males fell by 2,600 (-4.2%) to 58,700 over the quarter to Q3 2022 while the corresponding number for females was up 2,400 (+4.5%) to 56,100 over the same period.
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment series occurred in Q1 2012 for all persons (354,300) and for females (133,900) while it was Q4 2011 for males (222,300). See Table 5.1
See Monthly Unemployment outputs for supplementary analysis of seasonally adjusted unemployment.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.3% in Q2 2022 to 4.4% in Q3 2022, with a decrease seen over the same period for males (4.4% down to 4.2%) and an increase in the female unemployment rate (4.3% up to 4.6%).
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate series occurred in Q1 2012 for all persons (15.9%) and for females (13.3%) while it was in Q4 2011 for males (18.2%). See Table 5.1.
The seasonally adjusted labour force, at 2,667,500 in Q3 2022, was up 4,000 (0.2%) from the previous quarter, while the participation rate was down from 65.0% to 64.7% over the same period. See Table 5.1.
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