Labour market stats response, January 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 20 January 2026, Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, said:

“The labour market remains flat with the number of payroll employees estimated to have fallen again. Underneath this headline picture are further worrying falls in payroll employment in retail and hospitality, down 142,000 in a year. This contrasts with rises of 52,000 in health and social care and public administration. Looking ahead, slow growth and global instability increase the risks of rising worklessness, increasing the importance of the Government focusing on growth.”