wage growth

3 articles

Feb 17, 2026 • via Sky News

Unemployment Climbs to 5.2% Under Labour's Growth Vow

Job seekers per vacancy hits post-pandemic high amid rights laws and tax hikes

UK unemployment reached 5.2% in December, up from 4.1% at Labour's 2024 entry, as new worker rights and NI rises prompt hiring cuts. Youth joblessness hit 14%, signaling policy-driven market tightening.

Dec 16, 2025 • via BBC News

149,000 Payroll Jobs Evaporate Yearly

Youth unemployment surges 85,000 as businesses halt hires pre-Budget

UK payrolls dropped 149,000 year-on-year amid 5.1% unemployment, hitting youth hardest. Faulty ONS data and policy costs stall recovery across governments, deepening labour market contraction. (142 chars)

Nov 11, 2025 • via BBC News

Five Percent Marks the New Floor for British Jobs

ONS data shows unemployment at post-pandemic high amid stagnant vacancies and payroll drops

Rising to 5%, UK unemployment exposes a weakening jobs market despite government claims of progress. Payrolls fell 180,000 yearly, signaling structural fragility across political cycles.