Jobs down 2,748 in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham over the past year
Latest employment data for December 2025 shows the number of employees on payroll in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham was 355,281, down -0.8 per cent on the same month last year.
In the most recent month, businesses reported that payroll fell by 649 indicating continued pressure on jobs.
Overall, employment in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham remains lower than a year ago, with employers reporting payroll headcount down 2,748 (-0.8%) 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.
Compared with other towns and cities in Yorkshire and the Humber, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham ranks 9th out of 11, placing it among the weakest performers for employment change (see attached).
The trend in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham reflects a mixed employment picture across Yorkshire and the Humber, 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 Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham. 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.