The number of people in West Essex in paid work has fallen slightly on the same period last year, figures show.
New data shows that employment in the region remains below 2025 levels, with 150,015 employees on payroll, a 0.4 per cent year-on-year decrease equivalent to 661 fewer jobs.
In January 2026 alone, payroll numbers fell by 342, indicating ongoing challenges in the local job market.
The analysis, based on Office for National Statistics payroll data and compiled by employment and pay app WageSight, places West Essex 13th out of 16 areas in the East of England for employment change.
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Paul Hebden, director at WageSight, said: "The latest figures underline the continued pressure on employment in West Essex. Payroll remains down compared with last year, and recent month-on-month data suggests employers are still cutting back."
The employment trend in West Essex mirrors a varied picture across the wider region, with some areas experiencing growth while others continue to decline.
It remains too early to say whether recent changes mark the start of a sustained shift, or a temporary fluctuation. Nationally, employment levels have shown a mixed picture over the past year, creating a challenging backdrop.
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