ONS | HR experts react to 'weakening' labour market & youth squeeze as unemployment hits 5.1%

The UK unemployment rate continued to rise in the three months to October, reaching 5.1%, according to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Rising from 5% for the three months to September, the number of unemployed British people (over the age of 16) reached its highest level since January 2021.

The ONS said the data reflected a “subdued” and “weakening” labour market, as employment experts emphasised concerns over productivity, youth employment opportunities, and the wider job market.

Average wage growth (excluding bonuses) remained steady, dropping marginally from 4.7% to 4.6%.