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Unemployment remains at highest rate in five years
UK unemployment remains at 5.2% with youth unemployment rising sharply and wage growth slowing to 3.8%, the lowest in over five years, Office for National Statistics reports.
- On Thursday, the Office for National Statistics said unemployment remained at a five‑year high of 5.2% in the three months to January.
- Higher energy costs and weak domestic demand have increased downside risks for the labour market amid a sluggish domestic economy and rising energy prices.
- Regular earnings growth fell to 3.8% in the three months to January, vacancies dropped to 721,000, payrolls rose by 20,000, and youth unemployment hit 14.5% for 18–24-year-olds.
- The Bank of England is expected to hold rates at 3.75% today, and experts say the ONS data is unlikely to alter that decision, while Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden noted a 75.1% employment rate with 388,000 more people in work last year.
- Yael/Selfin warned the unemployment rate 'could potentially rise further over the coming months', while Thomas Pugh projected a peak near 5.5% if energy prices persist.
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perspectivemedia.comWage growth tumbles to lowest level for more than five years – ONS
The Office for National Statistics said regular earnings growth fell back to 3.8% in the three months to January.
·London, United Kingdom
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UK wage growth slows to weakest in five years
The figures would normally boost bets on the Bank of England cutting interest rates. But the central bank is widely expected to signal on Thursday it is waiting to see the impact of the war on Britain’s economy before deciding its next move.
·Johannesburg, South Africa
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UK unemployment steady at 5.2% as wage growth cools
The UK unemployment rate was unchanged in the latest three-month period, while employment rose and wage growth slowed, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday. In... -March 19, 2026 at 03:18 am EDT MarketScreener
Annual salary growth, excluding bonuses, was 3.8%, compared to a revised 4.1%.
·Brazil
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left2Leaning Right4Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 18%
C 46%
R 36%
Factuality
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