DWP Secretary of State response to Labour Market Statistics

UK Labour Market September 2025

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said:

“Today's figures show signs of progress with economic inactivity and redundancies continuing to fall.

“But we must futureproof our workforce by giving people the opportunities and skills they need to secure the jobs of tomorrow. It is vital that our £240 million Get Britain Working plan is felt by people across the country, whether it's through targeted support for young people entering the workforce, or joining up work, health and skills support. 

“The true strength of the UK's economy lies in the British people, which is why we are unlocking opportunity in every part of the country to drive forward economic growth under our Plan for Change.”

Background:

• Since July 2024, falling economic inactivity has driven the population that is economically active (both those employed and those unemployed but looking for work) to a near record high (34.243 million).
• The rate in which people gained employment since the election (753,000) has outpaced the rise in unemployment (207,000).