Labour market stats response, June 2026

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Become a supporter to receive our monthly labour market briefing delivered to your inbox and navigate our labour market dashboard.

Responding to the labour market stats release by ONS on 18 June 2026, Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, said:

“The labour market remains fairly flat overall, but with some worrying signs. One in three young people not in full-time education are not in work either. Following the Milburn Review this further confirms the need for urgent action to support young people who are not in education, employment or training. Employment is fairly flat overall, but with 220,000 fewer people working in retail and hospitality than two years ago and the main growth in health and social work (up 90,000).”