This monthly guide to the state of the labour market contains statistics and analysis of the latest trends, covering issues such as employment, unemployment, economic activity and inactivity, earnings, claimant count, government employment, hours, labour disputes and training. It gives the latest results from national surveys, plus the most significant findings from the government’s labour market research programme. This issue includes coverage of: An analysis of Trade Union Membership using the most recent data, by Stephen Hicks and Tom Palmer, Employment Market Analysis and Research, Dept of Trade and Industry; An examination of the extent and underlying causes of skills shortages in the skilled construction and metal trade occupations, by Yolanda Ruiz, Labour Market Division, ONS; A comparision of working time patterns across UK, France, Denmark and Sweden, by Kate Bishop, Labour Market Division, ONS.