United Kingdom Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
United Kingdom's female labor participation was 57.33% in 2025, ranked 61st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's female labor participation stood at 57.33% in 2025, a decline of +0.16pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.11% by 2026. United Kingdom ranked 61st globally.
Female labor participation in the United Kingdom has risen steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from 52.01 % in 1990 to 57.33 % in 2025, placing the country 61st globally. The upward trajectory peaked in 2020 at 58.28 % before a modest decline to the current level, while the all‑time low occurred in 1992 at 51.83 %. The United Kingdom’s 2025 rate is closely aligned with peers such as Luxembourg (57.47 %) and Lithuania (57.67 %), reflecting a convergence among advanced economies with high female workforce engagement. The sustained increase is attributable to policy reforms, expanding service sectors, and shifting social norms that have gradually reduced gender gaps in employment. Looking ahead, further gains are likely if childcare provision expands and flexible working arrangements become more widespread, which could push participation above the 2020 peak and improve the United Kingdom’s global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 56.79% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 56.95% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 57.11% | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.33% | −0.16pp | #61 |
| 2024 | 57.49% | +0.11pp | #61 |
| 2023 | 57.38% | −0.32pp | #64 |
| 2022 | 57.70% | −0.32pp | #60 |
| 2021 | 58.02% | −0.26pp | #57 |
| 2020 | 58.28% | +0.24pp | #50 |
| 2019 | 58.04% | +0.51pp | #58 |
| 2018 | 57.53% | +0.25pp | #57 |
| 2017 | 57.27% | +0.20pp | #59 |
| 2016 | 57.07% | +0.35pp | #56 |
| 2015 | 56.72% | +0.20pp | #58 |
| 2014 | 56.52% | +0.27pp | #59 |
| 2013 | 56.26% | +0.33pp | #65 |
| 2012 | 55.93% | +0.26pp | #70 |
| 2011 | 55.67% | +0.14pp | #69 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's female labor participation was 57.33% in 2025. Ranked 61st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
United Kingdom's female labor participation peaked at 58.28% in 2020.
The lowest female labor participation in United Kingdom was 51.83% in 1992.
United Kingdom ranks 61st globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's female labor participation is projected to reach 57.11% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of United Kingdom in 2025 was 57.33%. This ranks 61st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_female-labor-participation,
title = {United Kingdom Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}