FX.co ★ UK Jobless Rate Rises to 4.6% as Forecast

In the three-month period ending in April 2025, the unemployment rate in the United Kingdom ticked up to 4.6%, an increase from the previous 4.5% and aligning with market forecasts. This level, last observed during the three months ending in August 2021, primarily arose from a rise in individuals unemployed for up to six months and those jobless for over a year. Conversely, there was a decline in those unemployed for more than six months but less than a year. Comparing year-over-year figures, an increase in unemployment was noted both for those without work for up to a year and for those unemployed beyond a year’s duration. On the employment front, the number of employed individuals increased by 89,000, reaching 34.01 million, which represents the smallest employment growth thus far this year. This growth included gains in both part-time and full-time employment, and a noteworthy rise in the number of people holding second jobs, now making up 4% of all employed persons. Additionally, the economic inactivity rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 21.3%.