The number of employees on payroll in Bedford rose slightly over the past year, according to new analysis of official employment data.
The latest figures for February 2026 show that there were 89,337 employees on payroll in Bedford, up by 172 from the same month last year. That represents a 0.2 per cent rise.
Small monthly rise
The data also shows payroll employment in Bedford increased by 141 over the past month, again a rise of 0.2 per cent.
The figures are based on Office for National Statistics payroll data analysed by employment and pay app WageSight, which has been developed by Campaign Salience.
Compared with other local authorities in the East of England, Bedford ranked 13th out of 42 for annual employment change.
That places it in the middle of the regional picture, with some areas seeing stronger gains while others remain under pressure.
Mixed wider picture
WageSight said the figures point to some improvement in Bedford’s employment position, but stressed it is too early to say whether the latest changes represent a lasting trend or a short-term fluctuation.
Paul Hebden, WageSight Director, said: “Employment in Bedford has improved over the past year, and recent data points to a more positive outlook. The key question now is whether employers can sustain this momentum in the months ahead.”
Nationally, the app says the employment picture remains mixed.
