Employment and unemployment levels continue to rise, while vacancies fall to lowest level in almost four years.
In the three months to February 2025, wage growth across the economy showed signs of plateauing but remains strong, unemployment and employment levels both increased, while inactivity fell but is still stubbornly high. The labour market picture is therefore broadly the same, and addressing labour market challenges and barriers continues to be imperative.
The UK employment rate (for people aged 16 to 64 years) was estimated at 75.1% in the period between December 2024 and February 2025, which is slightly up on the quarter and the year. The UK unemployment rate (for people aged 16 and over) was estimated at 4.4% in the three months to February 2025, which is unchanged on the quarter and slightly up on the year.
The UK economic inactivity rate for people aged 16 to 64 years was 21.4% in the quarter to February 2025, marginally down on the year and the quarter. The estimated number of vacancies
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