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Jobs and work indicator

Unemployment rate

Seasonally adjusted Labour Force Survey unemployment rate

Verified primary source
Current figure4.9%
Previous figure4.9%
Change0 points
Reporting period2026 APR-JUN

Long-term trend

The displayed series runs from 2024 MAY-JUL (4.2%) to 2026 APR-JUN (4.9%). This is descriptive and does not attribute causation.

Accessible data table
Unemployment rate recent observations
PeriodValue
2024 MAY-JUL4.2%
2024 JUN-AUG4.1%
2024 JUL-SEP4.3%
2024 AUG-OCT4.2%
2024 SEP-NOV4.4%
2024 OCT-DEC4.4%
2024 NOV-JAN4.4%
2024 DEC-FEB4.5%
2025 JAN-MAR4.6%
2025 FEB-APR4.6%
2025 MAR-MAY4.7%
2025 APR-JUN4.7%
2025 MAY-JUL4.7%
2025 JUN-AUG4.8%
2025 JUL-SEP5%
2025 AUG-OCT5.1%
2025 SEP-NOV5.1%
2025 OCT-DEC5.2%
2025 NOV-JAN5.2%
2025 DEC-FEB4.9%
2026 JAN-MAR5%
2026 FEB-APR4.9%
2026 MAR-MAY4.9%
2026 APR-JUN4.9%

Insight

FactWhat the data show. Unemployment rate was 4.9% in 2026 APR-JUN.

CalculationWhat has changed. The change from 2026 MAR-MAY is 0 percentage points.

ComparisonHow it compares. Comparison awaiting period-aligned review. The year-earlier value was 4.7%.

InterpretationWhy it may matter. This measure provides context for living standards, public services or the public finances, but should be read with related measures.

LimitationImportant limitations. Survey estimates are subject to sampling uncertainty and revision.

Policy optionsPossible evidence-based responses. No option is published until supporting and questioning evidence, distributional effects, cost, risks, confidence and success measures complete editorial review. Options are not instructions or endorsements.

MeasurementHow progress could be measured. Continue the same monthly series, record revisions and compare like-for-like reporting periods.