The unemployment rate was 4.0%; it has not been lower since December 1974 to February 1975. There were 1.36 million unemployed people, 47,000 fewer than for March to May 2018 and 79,000 fewer than for a year earlier. There were 32.39 million people in work, 289,000 more than for a year earlier.
Latest estimates show that average weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain in real terms (that is, adjusted for price inflation) increased by 0.7% excluding bonuses, and by 0.4% including bonuses, compared with a year earlier.
Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) chief executive, Neil Carberry commenting on ONS figures:
“The latest figures emphasise the strong performance of the UK’s flexible jobs market, with wages rising in real terms and near record rates of employment.
“But there is some evidence that progress has slowed as businesses enter a holding pattern ahead of any Brexit deal.
“What we need now is for the Government to take a pragmatic approach that delivers a smooth Brexit for the economy – and for people’s jobs. A transition period, and longer-term clarity and stability on terms of trade and mobility between the UK and the EU are essential to avoiding a bumpy landing.”