Unemployed figures up as pay rises stall

EARNINGS growth has eased further as the rate of unemployment hit its highest level for more than four years but official figures also showed signs the jobs market may be stabilising.

- HOLLY WILLIAMS and SION BARRY

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said regular wage growth fell back to 4.7% in the three months to August, down from 4.8% in the previous three months, hitting a fresh low of more than three years.

The jobless rate increased unexpectedly to 4.8% in the three months to August, up from 4.7% in the previous three months. This is the highest since January to March 2021, at the height of the pandemic, although the ONS said the figure needs to be treated with caution as it continues to overhaul its labour market survey.

For Wales, unemployment was up 0.5% on the previous quarter to 4.9% (6,000 more people at 75,000). The adult employment rate in Wales was 71.2%, which alongside Northern Ireland, is the second lowest of any UK nation or region, ahead of the north east of England at 68.8%. The number of economically inactive in Wales was up 22,000 on the previous at 487,000. The economically inactive rate amongst adults of working age in Wales was 25%. It is only higher in Northern Ireland, 26.9% and the north east, 26.6%