Overview

• March 2025 saw a slight monthly decline in employment by 16,000 jobs, primarily affecting women, under-35s, temporary workers, and the self-employed.
• Youth unemployment rose significantly to 19%, up 1.6 percentage points from February, while overall unemployment increased to 6%.
• Despite monthly losses, employment levels remain 450,000 higher year-on-year, driven by gains in permanent and self-employed positions.
• The inactivity rate stayed stable at 32.9%, with a slight decrease in the number of inactive individuals aged 15–64 by 11,000.
• Men and permanent employees saw employment gains in March, contrasting with job losses among other groups.