UK unemployment rate eases to 4.7 per cent in the ONS labour market overview

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UK unemployment rate eases to 4.7 per cent in the ONS labour market overview

20 October 2026

The Office for National Statistics published its Labour market overview for the United Kingdom on 20 October 2026, covering June to August 2026. The unemployment rate for people aged 16 and over was 4.7 per cent, down 0.1 percentage points on both the quarter and the year. The employment rate for people aged 16 to 64 was 75.3 per cent, up 0.2 percentage points on the quarter and the year. Economic inactivity among that age group was 20.9 per cent, down 0.2 points on the year. Annual growth in regular pay, which excludes bonuses, was 3.7 per cent. Total pay, including bonuses, also grew 3.7 per cent, down from 3.9 per cent in the previous three-month period. The next release is due on 17 November 2026.

Unemployment rate: 4.7 per cent Employment rate: 75.3 per cent Economic inactivity rate: 20.9 per cent Regular pay growth: 3.7 per cent

Why it matters for exams: The ONS Labour market overview put the UK unemployment rate at 4.7 per cent, the employment rate at 75.3 per cent and economic inactivity at 20.9 per cent.

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20 October 2026 Source: Office for National Statistics

In plain words

ONS Office for National Statistics — The United Kingdom's national statistical institute.

Economic inactivity Economic inactivity — People of working age who are neither in work nor looking for work.