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UK Unemployment Hits 5.2%, Rate Cuts Expected Soon

2/17/2026

43 6 Full Breakdown

Center

UK Unemployment Rises

UK unemployment rate rose to 5.2% in late 2025, the highest since 2015 excluding the pandemic.
Wage growth slowed to 4.2%, prompting expectations for a Bank of England rate cut in March.
Payrolled employees fell by 11,000 in January after a smaller-than-expected December drop.
Investors are betting on rate cuts because growth remains weak and potential tax increases could shape the upcoming budget.

Right

Griffith Blames Policies

The UK youth unemployment rate is 14%, the highest in 25 years.
Economists attribute the rise to a 33% rise in the minimum wage over two years, disproportionately affecting young workers.
Payrolled employees fell by 11,000 in January, signaling weak hiring.
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith criticized the Labour Government for policies creating a 'jobless generation'.
Economists warn the trend could continue without changes.

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UK Unemployment Rises

UK unemployment rate rose to 5.2% in late 2025, the highest since 2015 excluding the pandemic.
Wage growth slowed to 4.2%, prompting expectations for a Bank of England rate cut in March.
Payrolled employees fell by 11,000 in January after a smaller-than-expected December drop.
Investors are betting on rate cuts because growth remains weak and potential tax increases could shape the upcoming budget.

1 / 2