UK employment at record high

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) yesterday show that Britain’s employment rate rose to a new record high of 74 percent. There were 31.4 million people in work, 267,000 more than in June to August 2015 and 588,000 more than the same period in 2014.

The figures also show that there were 1.68 million unemployed people (people not in work but seeking and available to work), 99,000 fewer than in June to August 2015 and 239,000 fewer than the same period in 2014.

79 percent of men and 69.1 percent of women of working age were in work and the number of people in receipt of out-of-work benefits had fallen by 36,300 to 843,100. The proportion of young people who have left full time education and are out of work has fallen to a record low of 14.1 percent.

However despite the high employment rate, annual earnings growth in the three months to November slowed to 2 per cent, down from 2.4 per cent in the three months to October and 3 per cent in the three months to September.

Turn2us: Support still vital

Simon Hopkins, Chief Executive of Turn2us commented: “It’s always encouraging to hear the number of people moving into employment is rising. However, we must ensure that this does not detract from fighting in-work poverty which is still increasing.

 “We’re still seeing many people who are in work coming to us for help. The cost of living, housing costs, food and other essentials are rising steadily and this is still affecting those on low incomes.

“That is why it is so important that those on low incomes remain aware of the support that is available.”

Turn2us help

You can use our Benefits Calculator to check your entitlement to benefits and our Grants Search to see if you are eligible for help from a charitable fund, based on your personal circumstances and needs. The Your situation section on our website contains resources on benefits grants and managing money, including useful links sheets and a Find an Adviser tool to help you find national and local sources of further help.
 
Source: Office of National Statistics press release