Why 163,000 jobs are set to be lost across the UK this year

WorldBusiness & Finance
11 May 2026 • 3:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why 163,000 jobs are set to be lost across the UK this year

  • A new report warns Britain is projected to lose 163,000 jobs this year, representing a 0.4% decline in overall employment.
  • The job losses are primarily attributed to the economic fallout from the Iran war, leading to increased energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and reduced consumer spending.
  • Lower-income regions, particularly South Wales and the Humber, are forecast to be the most severely affected due to their reliance on manufacturing and construction.
  • Major cities including London, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow are also expected to see significant job reductions, especially within the retail and hospitality sectors.
  • The government acknowledges the impact of the Middle East conflict but highlights recent labour market improvements and outlines measures to support manufacturers and promote clean power.

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