Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Index, November 2025

Small business employment: down by 200 jobs

Employment at UK small businesses with one to nine employees decreased by 200 jobs in October compared to September—a 0.01% decline month-over-month. These businesses now employ 4,153,900 people. See chart below.

The number of job vacancies at small businesses decreased by 2,200 open positions in October—a monthly decline of 1.98%. There are now 107,800 job vacancies at small businesses throughout the UK. See “Total Job Vacancies” tab in the chart above.

By sector: Employment dips in 9 of 13 sectors, driven by construction and education

In October, small business employment in the UK declined in 9 of the 13 sectors covered by the Small Business Index. Information and communication (SIC J) saw the fastest decline (-0.24%), decreasing by 500 jobs. However, the construction (SIC F) and education (SIC P) sectors had the largest drops—each decreasing by 1,200 jobs. On the other end, accommodation and food services (SIC I) had the largest increase, adding 3,000 jobs (0.63% growth).

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

Small business job vacancies also declined in 9 of the 13 sectors (see “Job Vacancies” tab on table above). The fastest decline (-13.60%) was in the accommodation and food services sector (SIC I). The fastest growth (1.65%) was in the real estate sector (SIC L). 

By nation and region: Scotland leads growth, while London drives overall decline in England 

Small business employment increased in 3 of 4 UK nations, but declined or remained stagnant in 6 of the 9 regions of England. Scotland saw the fastest growth (0.61%) and largest increase in employment (1,800 jobs). On the other end, London had the fastest decline (-0.36%) and largest decrease (-2,800 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 across all 4 nations and all 9 regions of England. Of the nations, Scotland had the fastest decline (-5.16%). Within England, the East of England had the fastest decline (-3.02%).

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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