“`html
UK Employment: Unpacking the Claim of 28 Million ‘Not Working’
Table of Contents
London, UK – A recent statement made in the UK Parliament regarding the number of people “not working” has sparked debate and prompted scrutiny of official employment statistics. The claim that 28 million individuals in the UK are not contributing to the workforce has been challenged by analysts who point to the complexities of defining “working” and the inclusion of demographics such as children and pensioners.
Analyzing the UK’s Employment Figures
The assertion that 28 million people in the UK are “not working” requires careful examination. According to the latest figures from the office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately 34 million people were employed in the UK between February and April 2025. This figure encompasses both public and private sector employment.
The UK’s total population is estimated to be around 70 million. Subtracting the 34 million employed individuals leaves approximately 36 million people who are not currently working. however, this number includes children under the age of 16 (approximately 13 million) and individuals over the state pension age of 66 (another 13 million).
Did You Know? The UK’s economy is the sixth-largest in the world [[3]].
Who is Included in the ‘Not Working’ Category?
When considering only those of working age (16-64), the number of people not working in the UK is closer to 10.8 million. This figure includes individuals who are economically inactive, meaning they are not seeking employment, as well as those who are unemployed but actively looking for work. The ONS data indicates that around 9.2 million people aged 16-64 are economically inactive, while approximately 1.6 million are unemployed.
Therefore, the claim of 28 million “not working” appears to be based on a broader definition that includes those outside the typical working age range.
UK Employment Statistics: Key Figures
| Category | Number (Millions) |
|---|---|
| Total UK Population (2025 est.) | 70 |
| Employed (Feb-Apr 2025) | 34 |
| under 16 | 13 |
| Over 66 (Pension Age) | 13 |
| Economically Inactive (16-64) | 9.2 |
| Unemployed (16-64) | 1.6 |
