In April, Britain saw the single biggest drop in employment ever since the pandemic. 210,000 people have lost their jobs in the last year.

ONS PAYE data show payrolled employees fell by roughly 100,000 (about 103,000 in the year to Feb-Apr 2026), well short of the 210,000 figure quoted. Employment is indeed falling, but the specific '210,000 jobs lost in the last year' is not matched by the ONS payroll series.

▸ ONS — Employment in the UK: May 2026

Checked Wed 1 Jul, 09:59 · Broadcast: PMQs: Prime Minister's Questions - 20 May 2026

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