Business · 11 November 2025

UK unemployment rises as FTSE 100 hits record

UK unemployment jumped to 5% in September, its highest level since 2021, exceeding economist forecasts of 4.9% while payrolled employees fell by 32,000. Wage growth simultaneously cooled to 4.8% including bonuses and 4.6% excluding bonuses, strengthening market expectations for a December Bank of England interest rate cut to over 80%. The weaker economic data weakened the pound but drove the FTSE 100 to new record highs above 9,800 points, with housebuilders particularly benefiting from lower rate expectations.

By BriefTea Editorial · 11 November 2025 at 14:34

Reported by IG · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

What is the FTSE 100? FTSE 100 explained What's the FTSE 100?

More briefs

TechnologyNew Mexico judge orders Meta to pay $25 billion over data privacy BusinessNetflix shares drop nearly 5% as its advertising income grows slower than hoped BusinessFlying Tiger owner Modella drops its bid to buy all of Poundland BusinessAustralian fund IFM buys majority of Associated British Ports BusinessCarrefour shares fall 14% after riots force profit forecast cut PoliticsCivil Servant Accused of Holding Five Jobs Admits 'Mistakes' More business stories → Browse all stories →