Economists say UK unemployment may reach an 11-year high in 2026

Economists say UK unemployment may reach an 11-year high in 2026

Experts predict in Times Economic Survey that the ‘moribund’ economy will require at least two interest rate cuts to stimulate growth and offset tax increases

UK unemployment could hit 11-year high in 2026 as growth stalls, economists warn

UK unemployment is expected to climb to its highest level in more than a decade in 2026, as economists warn that weak growth, rising employment costs and subdued private sector confidence continue to weigh on the labour market. According to The Times’ annual Economists Survey of 48 leading economists, more than two-thirds believe the unemployment rate will end 2026 between 5% and 5.5%, up from its current level of 5.1%. If the upper end of that …