UK jobless rate rises to 4.6% and wage growth moderates

The UK unemployment rate rose slightly in the three months to April, as expected, while pay growth was more moderate than forecast, according to numbers on Tuesday.

The Office for National Statistics said the UK unemployment rate increased to 4.6% in the period from February to April, from 4.5% in the first three months of 2025. The last time the jobless rate was higher was in the period from April to June 2021, at 4.7%, according to the ONS.

The jobless rate was in line with FXStreet-cited consensus.

The ONS said annual growth in average earnings was 5.2% for regular earnings, which exclude bonuses, and 5.3% for total earnings, which factor in bonuses.

However, regular earnings growth of 5.4% was expected, and total earnings growth of 5.5% was predicted, according to FXStreet.

Regular earnings growth eased from 5.5% in the three months to March, and total earnings growth ebbed from 5.6%.

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