Abstract: A vacuum pump (50) comprises a pumping arrangement, a shaft (10) for driving the pumping arrangement, a motor (60) for rotating the shaft (10) and a bearing arrangement supporting the shaft (10) for rotation, the bearing arrangement comprises a rolling bearing (12), supporting a first portion of the shaft (10), and a thrust bearing (30). The thrust bearing (30) houses a plurality of rolling elements (36) such that they are maintained in bearing contact with an outer race (18) of the rolling bearing (12) and a race (34) of the thrust bearing (30). In this way axial movement of the rolling bearing (12) can be resisted whilst allowing radial movement of the rolling bearing (12).