The number of payrolled employees in the UK decreased by 11 thousand to 30.3 million in March 2026, after a revised 6 thousand fall in February. This marked the biggest monthly drop since November 2025, signaling renewed strain in the labour market as businesses continue to navigate the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. On a yearly basis, employment was down by 0.2%, or 65 thousand. The largest decline was observed in the wholesale and retail sector (-57 thousand), while the biggest rise was seen in the health and social work sector (+41 thousand). Across NUTS3 regions, Westminster saw a 1.9% fall in payrolled employees, whereas Mid Ulster recorded a 2.3% increase. Meanwhile, the median monthly pay rose by 4.3% year-on-year to GBP 2,599. Growth in median pay was highest in the public administration and defence sector (+7.5%) and lowest in the professional, scientific, and technical sector (+2.9%).