Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

News · 19 May 2026

UK unemployment rate goes up to 5%

UK unemployment rate goes up to 5%

An unexpected increase in the UK's unemployment figures, which indicates difficulties in the employment sector, suggests that securing work could become more challenging for individuals. The ONS documented that the percentage reached 5% over the three-month period concluding in March, representing an escalation from the earlier 4.9% figure. This rise is alongside a fall of 100,000 in payroll employment figures during April.

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

More briefs

WorldIran's unseen supreme leader urges Gulf countries to fight a shared enemy BusinessIceland supermarket boss tells the Chancellor to cut business taxes for employers GeneralNigel Farage's £5m donor has major stakes in arms industry PoliticsTreasury officials advise John Healey to tax banks and oil companies more HealthCorrecting hearing loss can cut dementia risk by almost half GeneralNotting Hill Carnival parade begins as Europe's biggest street party Browse all stories →