Archive · 21 Jan 2026
UK Unemployment Rate Holds at 5.1%
The unemployment rate in the UK stayed at 5.1% at the end of last year.
This is the highest it's been in nearly five years.
Companies were letting go of workers because they were unsure about the budget and expected taxes to go up.
Wages in private companies are growing slowly, but wages in public jobs are growing faster.
The Bank of England will look at this information, along with inflation numbers, to decide if they should change interest rates.
They might wait until after February to make any changes.
UK unemployment rate remained at 5.1% for the three months ending November 30.
Companies reduced staff due to budget uncertainty and expected tax increases.
Private sector wage growth slowed to a five-year low, while public sector wage growth remained high.
Bank of England to consider unemployment data and December inflation figures for interest rate decisions.
Next policy meeting scheduled for February, with potential for rate cuts depending on inflation data.
- Who
- UK workers and businesses
- What
- Unemployment rate remains at 5.1%
- When
- Three months to November 30, with next policy meeting in February
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- Companies trimmed staff due to budget uncertainty and expected tax rises
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.1%
- Reporting Period
- Three months to November 30
- Wage Growth
- Private sector at 5-year low, public sector elevated
- Next Policy Meeting
- February
- Inflation Data Release
- Wednesday (December figures)
