At Hello Recruitment, understanding local employment trends is crucial for tailoring our recruitment strategies and supporting both job seekers and employers. Hull, has shown significant shifts in its employment landscape. Here, we provide an in-depth look at the latest statistics, shedding light on employment rates, unemployment, claimant counts, and economic inactivity.

Employment Rate in Hull

The employment rate for individuals aged 16 to 64 in Hull has risen to 73.2% in 2023, up from 70.3% in the previous year. This positive trend reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to create more job opportunities. However, Hull’s employment rate is slightly below the Yorkshire and The Humber average of 74.2%, indicating room for further growth.

Is Unemployment High in Hull?

Hull has seen a remarkable reduction in unemployment, dropping to 3.0% in 2023 from 5.0% in 2022. This decrease is a strong indicator of economic recovery and effective job creation strategies. Notably, Hull’s unemployment rate is also lower than the regional average of 3.4%, showcasing the city’s resilience and adaptive economy.

Hull is home to a wide range of job opportunities, so if you are looking for a new role, get in touch with Hello Recruitment who can help.

Claimant Count

Despite the decrease in unemployment, the claimant count in Hull has increased. As of March 2024, 6.2% of the working-age population were claiming unemployment-related benefits, up from 5.8% in the previous year. This suggests that while more people are employed, a significant number are relying on benefits, possibly due to part-time or low-wage employment.

Economic Inactivity

Economic inactivity remains a critical challenge for Hull. The rate stands at 25.2%, higher than both the regional average of 23.2% and the national average of 21.2%. This indicates a significant portion of the population is disengaged from the labour market, necessitating targeted interventions to re-engage these individuals.

zoomed out image of hull including the deep and other landmarks.

Key Insights for Recruitment and Employment Services

For us at Hello Recruitment, these statistics offer valuable insights:

Targeted Recruitment Strategies

With the rising employment rate and decreasing unemployment, focusing on sectors experiencing growth is crucial. Identifying industries with labour shortages can help place job seekers more effectively.

Supporting Underemployed Individuals

The increase in claimant count suggests a need for supporting those in part-time or low-wage jobs. Offering upskilling and training programmes can enhance their employability and help transition them to more stable employment.

Engaging the Inactive Workforce

The high economic inactivity rate highlights an untapped potential workforce. Tailored programmes to engage this group, including flexible working arrangements and support for those with caregiving responsibilities, could significantly reduce inactivity rates.

Building Local Partnerships

Collaborating with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organisations can create a robust support network for job seekers, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and opportunities.

Hull’s employment trends reveal a city on the mend with notable improvements in employment rates and a substantial drop in unemployment. However, the rise in claimant counts and persistent economic inactivity highlight areas that need continuous attention. Fostering job opportunities, enhancing support for the economically inactive, and addressing the root causes of benefit dependency will be crucial for Hull’s sustained economic growth.

lady in hull sitting in front of laptop and laughing

At Hello Recruitment, we are committed to applying these insights to better serve our clients and job seekers. By staying informed and adaptable, we aim to contribute to Hull’s economic development and help individuals find meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities, especially in industries such as engineering and construction.


For more detailed statistics and visualisations, visit the ONS Kingston upon Hull Employment Overview or visit our dedicated Hull recruitment page.

Tom Simpson

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