UK Unemployment Rises to Highest in Nearly Five Years as Labour Market Weakens
Jobless rate climbs to 5.2% amid slowing wage growth and softening employment, intensifying calls for interest rate cuts
The United Kingdom’s unemployment rate rose to 5.2 per cent in the three-month period ending December 2025, marking its highest level in nearly five years and underscoring growing weakness in the labour market.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that joblessness edged up from 5.1 per cent in the preceding quarter, reflecting slower hiring and rising numbers of people seeking work across sectors as economic momentum softens.
This rate is the highest recorded since the quarter ending January 2021 and forms part of a broader trend of easing labour market conditions.
Unemployment among younger workers has deteriorated sharply, with the rate for those aged 18 to 24 climbing to notably elevated levels as firms remain cautious in recruiting entry-level staff.
Employers have pointed to higher labour costs, including recent increases in employer national insurance contributions and statutory wage floors, as factors weighing on hiring decisions.
At the same time, rapid adoption of automation and artificial intelligence has prompted some firms to reassess staffing needs, particularly for junior roles.
Alongside the rise in unemployment, wage growth has cooled.
Average regular earnings, excluding bonuses, increased at their slowest pace in five years, with private sector pay growth subdued and public sector wage gains outpacing the broader market.
Once adjusted for inflation, real wage growth remains muted, further dampening consumer spending power and signalling softer demand for labour amidst broader economic headwinds.
The weakening in the jobs market has sharpened expectations that the Bank of England will ease monetary policy in coming months.
Financial markets are increasingly pricing in a potential interest rate cut at the Bank’s March meeting as inflationary pressures ebb and labour market slack widens.
The pound has reacted to these developments by weakening against major currencies.
The data also revealed a slight fall in payroll employment and a broadly flat vacancy count, suggesting competition for roles has intensified.
Business groups and economists are urging policymakers to adopt measures that support employment and stimulate demand, especially for young jobseekers, even as debates continue over fiscal and regulatory approaches to bolster long-term labour market resilience.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that joblessness edged up from 5.1 per cent in the preceding quarter, reflecting slower hiring and rising numbers of people seeking work across sectors as economic momentum softens.
This rate is the highest recorded since the quarter ending January 2021 and forms part of a broader trend of easing labour market conditions.
Unemployment among younger workers has deteriorated sharply, with the rate for those aged 18 to 24 climbing to notably elevated levels as firms remain cautious in recruiting entry-level staff.
Employers have pointed to higher labour costs, including recent increases in employer national insurance contributions and statutory wage floors, as factors weighing on hiring decisions.
At the same time, rapid adoption of automation and artificial intelligence has prompted some firms to reassess staffing needs, particularly for junior roles.
Alongside the rise in unemployment, wage growth has cooled.
Average regular earnings, excluding bonuses, increased at their slowest pace in five years, with private sector pay growth subdued and public sector wage gains outpacing the broader market.
Once adjusted for inflation, real wage growth remains muted, further dampening consumer spending power and signalling softer demand for labour amidst broader economic headwinds.
The weakening in the jobs market has sharpened expectations that the Bank of England will ease monetary policy in coming months.
Financial markets are increasingly pricing in a potential interest rate cut at the Bank’s March meeting as inflationary pressures ebb and labour market slack widens.
The pound has reacted to these developments by weakening against major currencies.
The data also revealed a slight fall in payroll employment and a broadly flat vacancy count, suggesting competition for roles has intensified.
Business groups and economists are urging policymakers to adopt measures that support employment and stimulate demand, especially for young jobseekers, even as debates continue over fiscal and regulatory approaches to bolster long-term labour market resilience.
