West Midland economy under 'acute pressure'

THE UK unemployment rate for people aged 16 years and over was estimated at 5.2% in October to December 2025.

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This was up in the latest quarter and above estimates of a year ago, according to official data recently published.

Emily Stubbs, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The figures point to a labour market that remains under pressure in the West Midlands.

“Unemployment continues to edge upwards, employment has slipped, and economic inactivity has risen over the last three months - reflecting a lower proportion of residents in work and more outside the labour force than in the previous quarter.

“Whilst nationally, we saw similar trends, it appears that challenging economic conditions are having a more acute impact here in the West Midlands labour market.