Summary
The document is a report detailing the findings of the Sage SME Monthly Workforce Pulse for June 2026, which is based on payroll data collected from approximately 200,000 small businesses across the UK. The report indicates a year-on-year increase in headcount of 0.5% among surveyed businesses, alongside a 4.1% rise in median gross earnings, which reached £2,209. Despite these positive indicators, the report highlights concerns regarding the UK’s economic outlook, with projected GDP growth of only 1.1% for the year due to inflationary pressures. The report also notes a decline in job vacancies to the lowest level in five years, reflecting sluggish hiring activity. Furthermore, it discusses regional disparities in earnings growth, with Wales experiencing the highest growth at 5.6%, while the arts and entertainment sector saw a contraction in earnings. The methodology section outlines the data collection process and the classification of businesses by size and sector.
