URGENT: UK Unemployment Rate Surges to 5% Amid Worsening Jobs Crisis

Breaking News: UK Unemployment Rate Surges to 5% The UK unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the three months to September, marking the highest rate since 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This represents a significant increase in joblessness across the country. The unemployment rate surge is coupled with a slowdown in average wage growth, which dropped to 4.6% in the third quarter from 4.7% in the previous three months. The number of payrolled employees also fell by 109,000 (0.4%) over the past year. The ONS data highlights a weakening labour market, with nearly 1.7 million people claiming unemployment benefits. However, the number of people claiming benefits has decreased slightly compared to the same period last year. In response to the latest statistics, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated that the government is stepping up its plan to get Britain working, citing the 329,000 more people who have moved into work this year. This is a developing story, with the government expected to announce further measures to address the jobs crisis in the coming days. The ONS will also release more detailed data in the coming weeks, providing a clearer picture of the UK's labour market. We will continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available.