The latest figures show that a record 32.6 million people were employed between October and December. The unemployment rate, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is, at 4%, the lowest since 1975. It's a really good news story;
- Weekly average earnings went up by 3.4% to £494.50 in the year to December - after adjusting for inflation, that is the highest level since March 2011.
- In addition, the UK now has a record low youth unemployment rate, female employment is at a record high and, since 2013, 930,000 more disabled people are now in work.
- The number of first-time buyers is at a 12-year high, with research from Halifax showing that most mortgages now go to first time buyers – the first time such a situation has existed since 1995.
Employment Minister Alok Sharma MP said: "While the global economy is facing many challenges, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, these figures show the underlying resilience of our jobs market - once again delivering record employment levels."
Buoyed by record tax receipts, January saw the largest surplus on record, meaning that the Government can invest more in the vital public services that we all rely on – like the NHS.
Twickenham Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Isobel Grant said: “Conservatives can be proud of their national record in creating jobs and opportunities. We now have the highest employment levels ever recorded and, importantly, youth unemployment has fallen by 50% since 2010. The majority of new jobs created are full time. We aim to ensure the future generation is well equipped for employment locally, whether this is through further education, training or apprenticeships.
Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton, St Margarets and Fulwell are great places to live, work and play. Ensuring the best educational and employment opportunities for all is key to sustaining these vibrant areas.”
You can read the full ONS report here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/uklabourmarket/february2019
Additional sources:
https://www.ft.com/content/989ad7cc-35bc-11e9-bb0c-42459962a812
