Economic statistics

What are the main features of Oxford's economy?

Oxford has a large number of people employed in universities and the public sector, but also has significant jobs in other sectors including publishing, tourism, hospitality and a growing hi-tech sector fuelled by the highly-qualified workforce.  More information can be found in this briefing.

Economic profile of Oxford, June 2011 (54kB PDF)

How has the recession and public spending squeeze affected Oxford?

This briefing on current trends in the local economy was presented to Oxford Strategic Partnership in October 2011.

Update on Oxford's economy, October 2011 (49kB PDF)

In common with the rest of the UK, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit (Jobseeker's Allowance or JSA).  In October 2008 there were 1,600 people claiming JSA, which had risen to 2,970 by May 2009.  Over the last two years, the number of claimants has been stable at around 2,700, but in February 2012 increased again to 2,900.  The proportion of people claiming in Oxford is lower than the national average (due to the large number of full-time students who are not eligible for JSA).  Latest figures on Jobseeker's Allowance claimants

However the rise in claimants of JSA has been different across the city with areas in the south and east being hit hardest.

Change in number of people claiming JSA, Aug08-Feb09 (200kB PDF)

The number of people unemployed is different to the number of people claiming JSA  - as some unemployed people choose not to claim or are not eligible to claim.  The level of unemployment is estimated using a combination of the JSA count and population surveys.  The most recent estimate of Oxford's unemployment rate is 6.3% for the period October 2009 to September 2010, below the national average of 7.7%.  Latest figures on employment and unemployment

How will Oxford be affected by public spending cuts?

Oxford is often cited in the news as an area which will be badly affected by the coming cuts in public spending, on account of the large proportion of people employed in the public sector.  The briefing paper below attempts to forecast the impact of these cuts on jobs in Oxford.  It is based upon a presentation given to Oxford Strategic Partnership in March 2011.

Prospects for Oxford's economy in an era of public spending cuts (March 2011; 441kB PDF)

How many businesses operate in Oxford?

The city is home to around 3,500 businesses providing 121,000 jobs.  The Oxford Times has published (in March 2010) a list of Oxfordshire's top 100 employers by number of employees, many of which are based in Oxford. 

89% of employees work in services, including 46% in public administration, education and health.  Latest figures on businesses and jobs

There is a high level of in-commuting, with about half of Oxford's workforce living outside its boundary.

How large is the tourism industry?

Oxford is the sixth most visited city in the UK by international visitors and is the tourism gateway to the rest of Oxfordshire.  We attract approximately 9.5 million visitors per year, generating £770 million of income for local Oxford businesses.

Where can I find more information?

Nomis publishes a profile of Oxford's labour market which contains the most comprehensive and up to date statistics. 

Oxfordshire Data Observatory publishes quarterly recession briefings for the county.

For more details of Oxford's economic profile you can visit our business pages.

You may be interested in background reports which were written to support the development of the Core Strategy.

For more on economic statistics, visit the Oxfordshire Data Observatory website.

Data sources

• Nomis labour market statistics
• 2001 Census, ONS
• International Passenger Survey
• Economic Impact of Tourism in Oxford 2008, Tourism South East

Page last reviewed 11 Nov 2011