General · 4 March 2026
UK jobless rate hits 5.3%, young people struggle
UK unemployment is expected to reach a maximum of 5.3% during the current year, according to predictions from the Office for Budget Responsibility. This is higher than the previous 4.9% estimate and would be the highest since late 2020. The current situation is exacerbated by a troubling surge in joblessness among younger individuals, which has prompted calls to postpone adjustments to the minimum wage for those aged 16 and 17. Firms reducing new hires are causing the overall increase in joblessness.
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs