UK job vacancies fall to 691,000, lowest outside the pandemic since 2014

The Office for National Statistics published its early estimate of UK job vacancies on 20 October 2026. It puts the number of vacancies at 691,000 in July to September, a fall of 21,000, or 2.9%, from April to June.

The key points

• First time below 700,000: the first time vacancies have been that low since February to April 2021, when there were 660,000
• Outside the pandemic: the lowest since July to September 2014, when there were 686,000
• Status: an early estimate, which the ONS may revise

Vacancies measure the number of open positions employers are trying to fill, so a fall indicates weaker demand for labour.

Reading it

Falling vacancies usually mean employers are hiring less, which can show up in unemployment later. Vacancies and unemployment do not always move together, so the ratio of the two is often watched alongside each figure separately.

For the unemployment rate from the same day, see the labour market report. For the previous quarter's labour data, see UK labour market in September. Live prices: GBP/USD.