UK employment rate: West Midlands aged 16 to 64
UK employment rate: West Midlands aged 16 to 64 stood at 72.6% in Jun 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Labour market table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Apr 1992 to Jun 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Labour market table
| Indicator | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | 09-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment rate by region, aged 16 to 64 | |||||||||||
| West Midlands | 72.6 | 73 | 73.4 | 73.4 | 73.6 | 73.3 | 73.3 | 72.9 | 73.6 | 73.5 | |
| South West | 78.2 | 78.1 | 77.9 | 77.7 | 78.1 | 78.4 | 78.8 | 78.5 | 78.7 | 79 |
Understanding UK employment rate: West Midlands aged 16 to 64
Measuring the proportion of the population aged 16 to 64 in West Midlands who hold paid employment establishes a baseline for local economic participation. The calculation divides the number of employed residents within the specified age band by the total resident population of the same age residing across this regional territory of the United Kingdom. It contrasts with sibling indicators by isolating the specific employment outcomes generated within this regional economy.
When reviewing these figures, analysts must account for the impact of regular seasonal cycles and potential revisions to early survey estimates as sample responses accumulate. Relying on rolling quarterly averages helps smooth out sampling noise inherent in sub-national data collection. Comparing this employment rate directly with unemployment rates can reveal shifts into economic inactivity that neither single metric captures on its own.
Frequently asked questions
- What defines the geographic coverage of this series?
- Data collection is restricted to residents living within the West Midlands regional boundary.
- How do early survey estimates change over time?
- Initial releases are subject to subsequent data collection updates and population benchmark recalibrations.
- Does this metric include temporary or zero-hour contract workers?
- Yes, anyone performing paid work during the survey reference week, including temporary staff, is counted as employed.