Earnings and employment from Pay As You Earn Real Time Information, UK: July 2026

New data from the Office for National Statistics indicates shifts in the UK labor market as of June 2026. The number of payrolled employees stands at 30.3 million, marking a 0.2% decline compared to June 2025. This equates to 71,000 fewer people on payrolls over the 12-month period. While the month-to-month change remains minor, the figures underscore a broader cooling trend in total employment numbers.

Sector performance shows varied results across the economy. The health and social work sector added 39,000 employees, representing the strongest growth area. Conversely, the accommodation and food service activities sector reported a significant contraction, shedding 79,000 positions. These industry-specific changes highlight how different parts of the economy are responding to current fiscal conditions.

Median monthly pay reached £2,632, reflecting a 4.3% increase compared to June 2025. Wage growth performance was uneven, with the health and social work sector leading at 6.2%, while the education sector saw a lower increase of 3.5%. These earnings statistics provide a clearer picture of how pay is adjusting in response to broader economic pressures.

Regional data reveals geographic differences in employment growth. Northern Ireland recorded a 1.4% increase in payrolled employees, whereas London experienced a 0.8% decrease. Median pay also fluctuates significantly by location, ranging from £2,283 in the Isle of Wight to £3,991 in Wandsworth. These statistics are based on the residence of employees rather than workplace location.

These early estimates utilize Pay As You Earn information and are subject to revision as additional tax returns are processed. The data excludes self-employment income and other non-payrolled earnings, focusing strictly on employees taxed through the payroll system.