The UK unemployment rate held steady at 4.9% in the three months to May 2026, defying forecasts of a rise to 5.0%. The number of unemployed people fell by 17,000 to 1.760 million, largely due to a decline in those out of work for between 6 and 12 months and for over 12 months.
On an annual basis, however, unemployment was up by 81,000, reflecting an increase in the number of people unemployed for up to six months.
Total employment rose by 148,000 over the quarter to 34.475 million, beating expectations for an 85,000 gain. Compared with a year earlier, employment was higher by 340,000, supported by growth in both full-time and part-time jobs.
The number of people holding second jobs also increased over the latest quarter, reaching 1.278 million and representing 3.7% of all employed individuals.
