Economy

UK Job Market Holds Steady: Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.4% in January

Stable Unemployment Figures

In a recent report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the United Kingdom's unemployment rate has remained steady at 4.4% for the three months leading up to January. This figure surpasses previous year's estimates, indicating a resilient job market amidst economic uncertainties.

Employment and Economic Activity

The employment rate has seen a positive uptick, estimated at 75%, marking an increase from the previous quarter and exceeding last year's forecasts. Additionally, economic inactivity has decreased to 21.5%, showcasing a growing participation in the workforce.

Vacancies and Earnings Growth

Between November 2024 and January 2025, the number of vacancies remained nearly unchanged at 816,000, with early estimates suggesting a slight increase of 1,000. Excluding bonuses, the annual growth in average earnings was recorded at 5.9% for the three months ending in January, reflecting a healthy growth in wages.