UK Job Vacancies Fall to 691,000: What It Means for Overseas Job Seekers
Official ONS figures published on 20 October 2026 show 691,000 UK vacancies for July to September, down 21,000 on the quarter, with unemployment at 4.7%.
UK| Country | UK |
|---|---|
| Organization | Office for National Statistics (ONS) |
| Official source | ONS – Labour market overview, UK: October 2026 ✓ ons.gov.uk |
The UK job market cooled again this autumn. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on 20 October 2026 show fewer open jobs than in the previous quarter and the previous year.
The numbers at a glance
| Measure | Latest figure | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Job vacancies (Jul–Sep 2026) | 691,000 | down 21,000 (2.9%) on the quarter; down 37,000 (5.1%) on the year |
| Unemployment rate (Jun–Aug 2026) | 4.7% | down 0.1 points on the quarter and the year |
| Employment rate, ages 16–64 | 75.3% | up 0.2 points |
| Regular pay growth (excluding bonuses) | 3.7% a year | broadly stable |
| Payrolled employees (Sep 2026, early estimate) | 30.3 million | up 13,000 on August |
Over the year to August 2026, the number of employees on payrolls fell by 111,000.
What this means if you want to work in the UK
- Fewer vacancies means more competition. With fewer openings than a year ago, employers can be more selective. A strong, UK-style CV and relevant experience matter more.
- Sponsorship is still essential. Most overseas workers need an employer with a sponsor licence and a role that qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa. Check that an employer is a licensed sponsor before applying.
- Wages are still rising, with regular pay up 3.7% a year, but salary thresholds for visas apply, so confirm the role's pay meets the requirement.
- Recent rule changes: see our summary of the UK immigration rule changes from 8 October 2026.
The next ONS labour market update is due on 17 November 2026.
Apply only through the official source.
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