In the quarter to March 2026, unemployment levels fell, but the unemployment rate (5.0%) is up on last month’s figure (4.9%). Employment and economic inactivity both rose, and vacancies declined even further.
Unemployment rate returns to 5% and vacancies fall to post-pandemic low
Posted around 2 months ago •
Related Articles
-
UK labour market shows some signs of resilience, but hiring caution continues
In the quarter to May 2026, employment levels rose, unemployment and economic inactivity fell, vacancy levels showed signs of stabilising, and nominal regular wage growth remained at its lowest level in over five years. Concerningly high youth unemployment levels have also persisted.
-
Unemployment falls, inactivity rises, and vacancies drop even further
In the quarter to April 2026, employment and inactivity levels rose, unemployment fell, vacancies continued to decline, and regular wage growth in the private sector slowed to its lowest level in over five years. Youth unemployment also remained concerningly high.
-
Unemployment rate falls to 4.9%, but signs of hiring caution remain
In the quarter to February 2026, the unemployment level and rate fell, employment levels rose slightly but the employment rate decreased, and wage growth continued to slow. There was also a notable uptick in economic inactivity, and vacancies have fallen even further.