General · 21 April 2026

UK jobless rate drops unexpectedly to 4.9%

Workers face potential job cuts in coming months due to rising energy costs from Middle East conflict. Official data shows unemployment fell from 5.2% to 4.9% in three months to February, defying forecasts. Pay growth excluding bonuses dropped to 3.6%, marking the weakest level since November 2020.

By BriefTea Editorial · 21 April 2026 at 7:27

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