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Employment: The employment rate remains at a record high of 74.2% with around 750,000 vacancies at any one time.
Unemployment: The unemployment rate fell to 5.0% - the lowest rate for a decade, with the inactivity rate close to the record low at 21.8% and down 575,000 since 2010.
Work: There are a record 31.6 million people in work - 461,000 morethan this time last year. Full-time work is up nearly 1.9 million since 2010.
Women: The female employment rate is at a record high of 69.2% with nearly 1.1 million more women in work than in 2010.
Youth unemployment: Youth unemployment is down over 300,000 since 2010 and the unemployment rate for young people not in full time education(5.6%) has never been lower.
Pay: Wages continue to grow with average pay (excluding bonuses) up 2.3% over the year.
Today’s national statistics show a record-breaking set of figures. Secure employment and a decent wage are key to transforming the life chances of people across the country so I’m delighted to see another strong set of figures this month.
There are more people in work than ever before and wages are continuing their upward climb, which is great news for hardworking families who have seen a rise in their living standards over the past year.
With around 750,000 vacancies at any one time and full-time work making up nearly 75% of the total rise in employment since 2010, our long-term economic plan is delivering jobs across the country and giving more people the security of a wage.
