LFS estimates were updated on 22nd Feb 2024 to incorporate updated population estimates for the period 2016 Q3 to 2023 Q3, based on the results of Census 2022. LFS results are updated in this way following each Census of Population. For further information see Background Notes.
The data in this publication does not reflect these updates. Please refer to the relevant tables on LFS Px-stat for updated LFS estimates.
Seasonally Adjusted Employment
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers in employment in Q1 2021 stood at 2,250,500 after a fall of 9,800 (-0.4%) from the previous quarter. This follows on from a seasonally adjusted increase in employment of 15,600 (+0.7%) in Q4 2020, an increase of 105,100 (+4.9%) in Q3 2020, a decrease of 227,900 (-9.6%) in Q2 2020 and an increase of 25,000 (+1.1%) in Q1 2020.
The seasonally adjusted number of males in employment fell by 18,000 (-1.5%) over the quarter to Q1 2021 while the corresponding number for females was up 6,100 (+0.6%) over the same period.
The peak of the seasonally adjusted employment series occurred in Q1 2020 for all persons (2,367,500) and separately for males (1,274,300) and females (1,090,900). See Table 9.3.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers unemployed in Q1 2021 stood at 178,700 after a rise of 27,600 (+18.2%) from the previous quarter. This quarter was the highest point of the series since Q3 2016 when it stood at 190,900.
The seasonally adjusted number of unemployed males rose by 14,200 (+17.2%) over the quarter to Q1 2021 while the corresponding number for females was up 13,400 (+19.4%) over the same period.
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment series occurred in Q1 2012 for all persons (354,300) and for females (133,800) while it was Q4 2011 for males (222,000). See Table 9.3.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 6.2% in Q4 2020 to 7.3% in Q1 2021 with increases seen over the same period for both males (6.4% up to 7.5%) and females (6.2% up to 7.4%).
The peak of the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate series occurred in Q4 2011 for all persons (16.1%) while it was in Q1 2012 for females (13.3%) and for males (18.3%). See Table 9.3.
Seasonally Adjusted Labour Force
The seasonally adjusted labour force, at 2,420,700 in Q1 2021 was up 4,900 (+0.2%) from the previous quarter while the participation rate was down from 60.5% to 60.4% over the same period.
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