Introducing the Labour and Talent (LT) Index for the UK Job Market
The LT Index is a comprehensive tool designed to gauge the current health and dynamics of the UK job market, drawing inspiration from the Fear and Greed Index used in financial markets. Just as the Fear and Greed Index provides insights into market sentiment, the LT Index offers valuable insights into the UK's labour and talent landscape.
The LT Index is constructed by considering various key factors that influence the job market, assigning each factor a specific weight to create an overall score. Here's a breakdown of the metrics that contribute to the LT Index:
Macro Effects (Weight: 0-16)
This category encompasses factors that impact the broader economy and labour market. It includes elements like the overall state of the UK economy, inflation levels, confidence in the government, occurrences of strikes, mortgage rates, as well as influences such as war and pandemic situations.
Unemployment Rate (Weight: 0-12)
The percentage of the labour force actively seeking employment. A lower rate indicates healthier employment conditions.
Job Vacancies (Weight: 0-12)
The count of unfilled job positions, reflects the demand for labour in the market. A higher number suggests robust labour demand.
Salary Growth Rate (Weight: 0-10)
The annual change in median salaries. A faster growth rate might indicate a competitive labour market.
Temporary Employment Rate (Weight: 0-10)
The proportion of the labour force in temporary positions, reflecting employer uncertainty about the future.
Underemployment Rate (Weight: 0-10)
The percentage of workers in part-time roles or jobs below their qualifications. A higher rate might suggest an imperfectly healthy labour market.
Labour Force Participation Rate (Weight: 0-10)
The percentage of the working-age population employed or actively seeking work. A declining rate could indicate discouragement among job seekers.
Job Switch Rate (Weight: 0-10)
The rate at which employees transition to new jobs. A higher rate signifies a dynamic labour market with better opportunities for workers.
Important Notes:
Item | Value |
September 2025 | 65 |
August 2025 |
64 |
September 2024 |
70 |
Last updated | 15th September 2025 |
Employer sentiment remains mixed, with tech leaders naming the UK their top growth market ahead of the US and Europe. AI remains a key priority, ranking among the top three skill gaps for future transformation. Confidence in the UK economy continues to rise, driven by digital investment and talent acquisition. Over half of UK tech leaders report skills shortages, particularly in AI and software, threatening progress over the next 12 to 18 months. Source: UKTech.News, LearningPeople, August 2025 |
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Thought: | Don't ignore AI! |