Show further information on definitions and data sources

The number of people unemployed and unemployment rate are derived from the Labour Force Survey rather than from the Jobseeker's Allowance claimant count. To count as unemployed, people have to say they are not working, are available for work and have either looked for work in the past four weeks or are waiting to start a new job they have already obtained. The unemployment rate is calculated as a proportion of the economically active population (those in employment plus those who are unemployed).

The employment rate is the proportion of the total population in a given age range who are in employment. The economic inactivity rate is also calculated as a proportion of the total population in an age range.

This article by Caron Walker of ONS provides a brief explanation of unemployment data. A five-minute explanatory video and detailed guidance are available on the ONS website.