United Kingdom Unemployment Rate

The United Kingdom’s unemployment rate was 4.3% from August to October 2024, unchanged from the previous period and aligning with expectations. The rate remained at its highest level since the three months ending in May, driven by an over the period increase in individuals unemployed for up to 12 months. Over the year from August to October 2023, the rise in the number of unemployed individuals was due to an increase in those unemployed for over six months. Meanwhile, the number of employed individuals rose by 173 thousand to 33.77 million, with a year-on-year growth recorded in full-time employees and self-employed workers. The number of people with second jobs also increased, now representing 3.7% of all employed individuals. Lastly, the economic activity rate held steady at 21.7%, unchanged from the preceding period.