18.08.202606:00:00UTC+00UK Employment Momentum Cools as 3M/3M Job Gains Slow Sharply in June

United Kingdom employment growth lost noticeable momentum in June 2026, with the 3-month-on-3-month Employment Change indicator easing to 83,000, down from 147,000 in May 2026. The latest data, updated on 18 August 2026, point to a slower pace of job creation as the labour market shifts from its earlier, stronger hiring trajectory.

Measured on a month-over-month comparison basis, the indicator reflects how employment changed over the three months to June versus the three months to May, while the previous reading compared the three months to May with the three months to April. The decline from 147K to 83K suggests that, although the UK continues to add jobs, the rate of expansion has moderated, potentially signaling increased caution among employers amid evolving economic conditions.

For market participants and policymakers, the softer June reading may raise questions about the durability of recent labour market strength. While the figure remains in positive territory, indicating continued net job creation, the pronounced slowdown in the 3M/3M gain will likely feed into assessments of wage pressures, consumer demand, and the broader outlook for UK growth in the second half of 2026.