Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Index, December 2025

Small business employment: down by 1,300 jobs

Employment at UK small businesses with one to nine employees decreased by 1,300 jobs in November compared to October—a 0.03% decline month-over-month. These businesses now employ 4,156,300 people. See chart below.

The number of job vacancies at small businesses decreased by 1,200 open positions in November—a monthly decline of 1.06%. There are now 115,800 job vacancies at small businesses throughout the UK. See “Total Job Vacancies” tab in the chart above.

By sector: Employment dips in 6 of 13 sectors, driven by a significant decrease in the construction sector

In November, small business employment in the UK declined in 6 of the 13 sectors covered by the Small Business Index. Education (SIC P) saw the fastest decline (-0.68%), decreasing by 500 jobs. However, the construction (SIC F) sector had the largest drop—decreasing by 2,900 jobs. 

On the other end, accommodation and food services (SIC I) had the largest increase, adding 2,100 jobs (0.44% growth), followed by administrative and support services (SIC N) with 1,900 jobs (0.54% growth).

In the table below, use the green buttons to see the number of jobs or open positions by sector.

Small business job vacancies declined in 11 of the 13 sectors (see “Job Vacancies” tab on table above). The fastest decline (-5.93%) was in the transport and storage sector (SIC H). The fastest growth (4.28%) was in the education sector (SIC P). 

By nation and region: London drives overall decline in England while employment climbs in Scotland

Small business employment increased in 2 of 4 UK nations and in 5 of the 9 regions of England, but declined in England overall (-0.23%) due to a large drop in London. By nation, Scotland saw the fastest growth (0.72%). Within England, South West England had both the fastest growth (1.38%) and largest increase (5,000 jobs). On the other end, London had the fastest decline (-0.89%) and largest decrease (-7,100 jobs). 

Use the green buttons on the map below to see the number of jobs or open positions at small businesses by nation and region.

The number of job vacancies at small businesses declined in 3 of the 4 UK nations and across all 9 regions of England. Of the nations, Wales had the fastest decline (-2.69%). Within England, the East of England had the fastest decline (-2.21%).

More information

Get all the details from the interactive Small Business Index dashboard.

Media inquiries

Media contact details for QuickBooks in the UK can be found here on the QuickBooks UK website.

USA Index

The Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Index is also published monthly in the US. Get the latest small business employment insights for the US here. 

Canada Index

The Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Index is also published monthly in Canada. Get the latest small business employment insights for Canada here.

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