UK unemployment has risen to its highest level since the Covid lockdown, prompting renewed warnings about the country’s economic direction under the Labour government.
Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the UK unemployment rate has climbed to 4.8%.
The last time it was this high was in May 2021.
At the same time, regular wage growth has slowed sharply to 4.7% its lowest level in three years.
The figures come amid mounting financial pressures for households across the UK.
Mortgage rates have risen again, with the average two-year fixed deal now sitting at 4.98%, and the average five-year deal at 5.02%.
Energy bills have also edged up this month, with the average household now paying £1,755 a year, an increase of £187 since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.
During the UK election campaign earlier this year, the Labour Party pledged to cut energy bills by £300.
In response to today’s figures, the SNP said the Labour government was failing to bring about the change it promised.
SNP economy spokesperson Dave Doogan MP said:
“The UK economy is in crisis, and stuck in a never-ending doom loop under the Labour Party, which has taken Broken Brexit Britain from bad to worse.”
“Voters were promised change, but instead Keir Starmer has presided over a record of failure, with the cost of living soaring, UK unemployment rising, poverty at record levels, and the UK economy downgraded.”
Doogan called for urgent action to help households facing rising bills and economic uncertainty.
He added:
“It shows why Scotland needs a strong SNP government to stand up for families, delivering the best cost of living support anywhere in the UK and offering a fresh start from Broken Brexit Britain with independence.”
The UK government has not yet issued a response to the figures.
