Latest employment data for December 2025 shows the number of employees on payroll in Lancaster and Wyre was 104,540, down -1.1% on the same month last year.

In the most recent month, businesses reported that payroll fell by 224 indicating continued pressure on jobs.

Overall, employment in Lancaster and Wyre remains lower than a year ago, with employers reporting payroll headcount down 1,145 (-1.1%) year-on-year.

The figures are based on analysis of the latest Office for National Statistics payroll data by the employment and pay app WageSight.

The number of employees on payroll in Lancaster and Wyre was 104,540, down -1.1% on the same month last year.

placeholder image — The number of employees on payroll in Lancaster and Wyre was 104,540, down -1.1% on the same month last year.

Compared with other towns and cities in the north west, Lancaster and Wyre ranks 15th out of 20, placing it among the weakest performers for employment change.

The trend in Lancaster and Wyre reflects a mixed employment picture across the north west, with some areas reporting improvements while others continue to see pressure on payroll numbers.

Nationally, employment levels have shown a mixed picture over the past year, creating a challenging backdrop.

Paul Hebden, WageSight director, said: “The latest figures underline the continued pressure on employment in Lancaster and Wyre. Payroll remains down compared with last year, and recent month-on-month data suggests employers are still cutting back.”

It remains too early to say whether recent changes mark the start of a sustained shift, or a temporary fluctuation.

WageSight is a real-time pay and employment insight platform developed by Campaign Salience. It transforms raw government data into clear, local intelligence across 270+ UK towns and cities showing where wages are rising, jobs are growing, and opportunities are shifting.