The number of children living in households without any employed adults for at least 12 months in the United Kingdom has reached its highest level in over a decade, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In 2025, an estimated 1.31 million children were living in such long-term workless households, up from 1.22 million in 2024.

This increase marks the largest total since 2014, when 1.37 million children were reported to be in similar circumstances. The proportion of children affected has also risen, standing at 10.1 percent in 2025, compared with 9.4 percent the previous year. This figure matches the peak seen in 2015, the last time it reached 10.1 percent.

The ONS identifies a long-term workless household as one where no adult aged between 16 and 64 has worked during the previous 12 months. The data highlights regional disparities, with North-east England estimated to have the highest proportion of children living in such households, at 17.0 percent.

These figures reflect ongoing challenges related to employment stability and economic conditions for families across the UK. Analysts note that long-term worklessness can have significant implications for child welfare, including effects on educational outcomes and overall quality of life.

While the data points to an upward trend in households experiencing extended periods without work, the underlying causes may include factors such as local economic conditions, access to job opportunities, health issues, or other barriers to employment. The ONS statistics serve as a key indicator for policymakers aiming to address unemployment and support vulnerable families.