5 h. ago London unemployment rises to 6.8%, highest in a decade outside the pandemic

Bank of England seen as almost certain to cut interest rates on Thursday as labour market cools

Events

6 h. ago Young people bearing the brunt as jobless rate hits 5.1% ahead of Budget

The Office for National Statistics said there had been an 85,000 increase in those unemployed aged between 18 to 24 in the three months to October.

Events

8 h. ago FTSE 100 Live 16 December: Rate cut seen as jobless rate rises, index holds firm

The rate of unemployment has risen to its highest level in almost a decade outside the pandemic as employers continue to shed jobs.

Society

8 h. ago Unemployment rises to 5.1%, highest in a decade outside the pandemic

Bank of England seen as almost certain to cut interest rates on Thursday as labour market cools

Events

8 h. ago Unemployment rate in Britain rises to highest level for nearly five years

The jobless rate rose in the three months to October

Politics

8 h. ago Jobless rate rises to 5.1% as wage growth slips back further

The Office for National Statistics said the rate of unemployment rose to 5.1% in the three months to October – the highest since early 2021.

Politics

9 h. ago Unemployment rises again and wage growth slows – what it means for your money

UNEMPLOYMENT has risen once again to higher levels than expected, Government data shows. The UK unemployment rate now sits at 5.1%, based on estimates from August to October this year. The jobless rate previously sat at 4.8% in the three months to August. It means the number of people out of work is still at...

Economics

2 w. ago Budget 2025 live: Reeves claims freezing tax thresholds in budget does not breach manifesto pledge

Chancellor says she will not ‘get into semantics’ when questioned on issue after her statementAt a glance: the key points from the budgetHow does freezing income tax thresholds affect you?Paul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, has rejected the concerns raised by the Resolution Foundation (see 9.54am) about the rise in the minimum wage rates. Asked about the thinktank’s comments, Nowak told Times Radio:I don’t accept those concerns ...First of all, that recommendation is based on the Low Pay Commission, which brings together employers, unions, independent experts, they’re tasked with making a recommendation on the minimum wage, which balances getting money into people’s pockets and the impact on unemployment. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago Budget 2025 live: Rachel Reeves sets out tax rises and council tax changes as OBR apologises for leaking details

Office for Budget Responsibility blames ‘technical error’ after forecasts were published before chancellor gave her statementAt a glance: the key points from the budgetPaul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, has rejected the concerns raised by the Resolution Foundation (see 9.54am) about the rise in the minimum wage rates. Asked about the thinktank’s comments, Nowak told Times Radio:I don’t accept those concerns ...First of all, that recommendation is based on the Low Pay Commission, which brings together employers, unions, independent experts, they’re tasked with making a recommendation on the minimum wage, which balances getting money into people’s pockets and the impact on unemployment. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago Budget 2025 live: Income tax thresholds to be frozen for three years in budget, OBR leak indicates

Forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility were accidentally published before Rachel Reeves gives her statementUK borrowing costs fall after early release of budget forecasts – business liveCould you do better than Reeves? Play our gamePaul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, has rejected the concerns raised by the Resolution Foundation (see 9.54am) about the rise in the minimum wage rates. Asked about the thinktank’s comments, Nowak told Times Radio:I don’t accept those concerns ...First of all, that recommendation is based on the Low Pay Commission, which brings together employers, unions, independent experts, they’re tasked with making a recommendation on the minimum wage, which balances getting money into people’s pockets and the impact on unemployment. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago Minimum wage rise: Nine things to know as Rachel Reeves expected to raise rates in Budget

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to make a major new minimum wage announcement in today's Budget, giving millions of Brits a potentially significant pay rise

Politics

2 w. ago Rachel Reeves will announce the Budget today: Here's what to expect

The Standard looks at the measures the Chancellor is expected to announce today

Politics

2 w. ago Rachel Reeves says she is ‘pushing ahead with biggest drive for growth’ ahead of Budget

Scottish Cabinet minister Mairi McAllan welcomes minimum wage rise but warns against ‘piecemeal approach’ from Chancellor

Politics

2 w. ago Reeves braced for major Budget clash with businesses over minimum wage and tax rises

The chancellor is set to use her Budget to pin Labour’s hopes on tackling the cost of living while balancing the books by targeting the wealthy

Economics

2 w. ago National Insurance rise adds £8m to West Lothian Council wage bill

At a meeting of the full council, SNP opposition group leader Councillor Janet Campbell branded the increase a “jobs tax” and raised a motion demanding the council write to Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, asking for its revoke.

Economics

2 w. ago Minimum wage to rise by 4.1% from April, government says ahead of budget

The wage rate for young people will increase by 8.5% to £10.85

Politics

2 w. ago Business backlash as Reeves confirms minimum wage pay rise hike for millions of workers

The chancellor said the move would mean those on low incomes were ‘properly rewarded’ - but businesses warned the move could drive unemployment and hit economic growth

Economics

2 w. ago Millions of UK workers to get pay rise as Reeves plans increased minimum wage

Chancellor says people must be ‘properly rewarded for their hard work’ with 16- to 21-year-olds also in line for raiseMillions of low-paid workers in the UK are to get a pay rise of 4.1% next year, as Rachel Reeves confirmed that minimum wage rates will go up as part of the government’s ambition to improve living standards.The national living wage will rise from £12.21 to £12.71 an hour from April for over-21s, which the government said would increase the annual earnings of about 2.4 million workers by £900.A year in Westminster: John Crace, Marina Hyde and Pippa Crerar. On Tuesday 2 December, join Crace, Hyde and Crerar as they look back with special guests at another extraordinary year, live at the Barbican in London and livestreamed globally. Book tickets here Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago Millions of workers in line for pay rise as minimum wage hike confirmed

Rachel Reeves said the cost of living was the 'number one issue' for Brits and the lowest paid deserved to be properly rewarded as she unveiled the changes ahead of the Budget

Economics

2 w. ago Boost for Scots workers as Rachel Reeves confirms rise in National Minimum Wage

The National Living Wage will rise by 4.1 per cent to £12.71 an hour for eligible workers aged 21 and over

Economics