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 Q4 2022 stood at 2,568,400 after a rise of 15,700 (+0.6%) from the previous quarter. This follows on from a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter increase in employment in each of the preceding four quarters – 9,500 (+0.4%) in Q3 2022; 17,700 (+0.7%) in Q2 2022; 25,800 (+1.0%) in Q1 2022 and an increase of 31,500 (+1.3%) in Q4 2021.
The seasonally adjusted number of males in employment was up by 6,100 (+0.4%) over the quarter to 1,367,000 in Q4 2022, while the corresponding number for females was up 8,600 (+0.7%) to 1,198,200 over the same period.
The seasonally adjusted number in employment for all persons in Q4 2022 is the current peak of the seasonally adjusted employment series for all persons (2,568,400). The Q4 2022 figures for males (1,367,000) and females (1,198,200) 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 Q4 2022 stood at 119,100, a rise of 4,700 (4.1%) from the previous quarter.
The seasonally adjusted number of unemployed males increased by 1,900 (+3.3%) to 60,400 over the quarter to Q4 2022, while the corresponding number for females was up 2,800 (+5.0%) to 58,700 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 (222,300). 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 Q3 2022 to 4.5% in Q4 2022, with an increase seen over the same period for males (4.1% up to 4.3%) and an increase in the female unemployment rate (4.5% up to 4.7%).
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate series occurred in Q4 2011 for all persons (15.9%) and for males (18.2%), while it was in Q1 2012 for females (13.3%) and Q1 2012. See Table 5.1.
The seasonally adjusted labour force, at 2,685,300 in Q4 2022, was up 17,800 (0.7%) from the previous quarter, while the participation rate was down from 64.7% to 64.5% over the same period. See Table 5.1.
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