Unemployment Rates Fail To Drop For Burnham

An expected drop in the UK unemployment rate has failed to materialise, dealing a significant setback to Andy Burnham’s economic agenda. According to The Telegraph, jobless figures remained stagnant as thousands of payrolled jobs vanished.

Stubborn Unemployment Figures

The latest data released by the Office for National Statistics reveals that the UK unemployment rate remained stuck at 4.9pc in the three months to June. Economists had previously predicted that the rate would ease downward to 4.8pc.

Alongside the flat three-month figures, monthly data showed a sharper deterioration towards the end of the period. Unemployment jumped significantly to 5.4pc in June, rising sharply from 4.6pc the previous month.

Falling Payrolled Employees

The broader jobs picture was compounded by a reduction in payrolled staff across the country. Official figures confirm that the number of payrolled employees fell by 13,000 over the relevant tracking period.

• Unemployment rate remained stuck at 4.9pc in the three months to June
• Economists had predicted unemployment would ease down to 4.8pc
• Monthly data showed unemployment jumping to 5.4pc in June
• Number of payrolled employees fell by 13,000 according to ONS
• The Telegraph highlights the data as a major economic setback

Economic Setback For Westminster

The sluggish labor market metrics deliver an immediate political and economic headache for Andy Burnham. Reviving Britain’s productivity and labour participation was meant to form a core pillar of the current administration’s early strategy.

With job creation slowing and payroll numbers heading backwards, critics will scrutinize how quickly officials can turn the tide on employment. The numbers underline the scale of the challenge facing the Treasury.

The latest ONS data confirms that Britain’s jobs market is stalling when it needs momentum most.