UK services output index: human health and social work
UK services output index: human health and social work stood at 109.6 in Jul 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Monthly GDP and output table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1997 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly GDP and output table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Services output index by industry | |||||||||||
| Q — Human health and social work activities | 109.6 | 109 | 108.7 | 108.9 | 109.1 | 108.6 | 108.8 | 108.1 | 108.3 | 108.4 | |
| R — Arts, entertainment and recreation | 105.5 | 104.4 | 102.6 | 101.2 | 104.3 | 101.7 | 100.3 | 101.1 | 103.8 | 102.2 |
Understanding UK services output index: human health and social work
The UK services output index: human health and social work captures monthly gross value added across the United Kingdom for Section Q, encompassing hospitals, medical clinics, dental practices, nursing homes, and social work activities with or without accommodation. Unlike education services focused on instruction, this measure evaluates medical treatment, nursing care, and social assistance provided to individuals. The scope includes both National Health Service facilities and private healthcare providers, alongside residential care and community support services operating nationwide.
Evaluating this index involves accounting for healthcare waiting lists, elective procedure schedules, and seasonal winter illness pressures that affect staffing and resource utilisation. Early monthly releases frequently undergo revision as administrative health records and detailed activity returns are processed by statistical authorities. Month-on-month figures can be volatile due to shifting clinical schedules or pandemic-related disruptions, making longer-term comparisons preferable for identifying structural trends. Analysts should examine this series alongside public administration data to understand the broader footprint of government-funded and regulated social services.
Frequently asked questions
- Are private healthcare providers included alongside public facilities?
- Yes, the index covers human health and social work activities across both public and private sectors throughout the United Kingdom.
- How do seasonal winter illnesses impact the monthly figures?
- Surges in healthcare demand during winter months are factored into seasonal adjustment models to reveal underlying output trends.
- Why do early estimates for health and social work get revised?
- Preliminary figures rely on early administrative returns from health authorities, which are updated when comprehensive activity data arrive.