UK Unemployment Rate (Aug) 4.7% vs. Exp. 4.9% (Prev. 4.9%)

ONS While the labour market remains broadly flat in 2026, data from the latest quarter shows the employment rate edging up and a small drop in unemployment. The number of workers on payroll remains slightly down over the same period, though data for the most recent month suggests that might be starting to level off. The number of vacancies has seen its largest fall since the start of the year, concentrated mainly within smaller businesses, which cite increased labour costs as a key factor. Regular wage growth remained relatively stable, though total pay – including bonuses – has eased to its lowest rate in nearly six years.