The number of payrolled employees in the UK dropped by 13 thousand to 30.3 million in July 2026, following a revised decline of 13 thousand in June.
Compared with a year earlier, employment fell by 0.3%, or 94 thousand.
The wholesale and retail sector recorded the biggest annual decline in payroll employment, shedding 75,000 jobs, whereas the administrative and support services sector recorded the largest increase, adding 63,000 employees.
Across NUTS3 regions, Camden and City of London experienced a decrease of 1.8% in payrolled employees, while Mid Ulster recorded a 1.5% increase.
Meanwhile, median monthly pay rose by 4.2% year-on-year to £2,642, easing slightly from a 4.3% increase in June.
Growth in median pay was highest in the health and social work sector (+5.3%) and lowest in the education sector (+3.3%).