Labour Market Data
Labour market data helps leaders understand where workers are, which skills are scarce, how pay is changing and how competition for talent differs by occupation, sector and location. This technique explains how to select, compare and interpret external evidence so workforce decisions are proportionate and evidence-based (CIPD, 2026a; ONS, 2026a).
Technique Overview
Labour Market Data Definition
Labour market data is quantitative and qualitative evidence about the supply of and demand for work. It includes employment, unemployment, inactivity, vacancies, earnings, occupations, qualifications, skills shortages, workforce demographics, commuting and regional patterns. Leaders use it to understand external conditions and test whether workforce plans are realistic, competitive and responsive to change (CIPD, 2026a; ONS, 202a).
Labour Market Data Description *
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Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Labour Market Data *
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Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Labour Market Data *
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Professional Tools
Labour Market Data videos and downloads *
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Further Reading
Labour Market Data web and print resources *
Labour Market Data references (4 of up to 20) *
- CIPD (2026a) Understanding the economy and labour market. Available at: www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/economy-labour-market-factsheet/
- CIPD (2026b) Labour Market Outlook: Spring 2026. Available at: www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/reports/labour-market-outlook/
- Department for Education (2025) Employer Skills Survey 2024. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/employer-skills-survey-2024
- OECD (2025a) Changing skill needs in the labour market. Available at: www.oecd.org/en/topics/changing-skill-needs-in-the-labour-market.html
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