United Kingdom employment growth accelerated sharply in March 2026, with the 3-month-on-3-month Employment Change rising to 148,000, up from 25,000 in February 2026. The latest figures, updated on 19 May 2026, point to a substantial strengthening in the labour market over the early part of the year.
On a month-over-month comparison basis, the current reading reflects how the three-month change in employment up to March compares with the three-month period to February, while the previous figure measured the change up to February against the period ending in January. The jump from 25K to 148K suggests that hiring momentum has picked up notably in the most recent data window.
The marked improvement in the 3M/3M employment indicator will be closely watched by market participants and policymakers assessing the resilience of the UK economy and the trajectory of labour demand as 2026 progresses.
