UK unemployment rises to highest level since 2021

Starmer

Britain’s unemployment rate has risen to its highest point in nearly four years, reaching 4.6 per cent in the three months leading up to April, according to data released on Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics.

The increase from 4.5 per cent in the first quarter of the year reflects growing pressure on businesses amid a combination of domestic tax increases and new international trade barriers.

The latest figures marked the highest unemployment level since July 2021 and came in the wake of economic policy changes, including a rise in business taxes introduced in the Labour government’s first budget last October.

The impact has been compounded by a 10 per cent tariff on UK exports, imposed by United States President Donald Trump in April, which has added further strain on the manufacturing and export sectors.“There continues to be weakening in the labour market, with the number of people on payroll falling notably. Punch