Posted 4 years ago •
The latest ONS data covers the period between May and July 2020, providing the first snapshot of labour market activity in the aftermath of a more substantial easing of lockdown at the start of July and the introduction of greater flexibility within the Job Retention Scheme.
The impact of COVID-19 on the labour market is becoming more pronounced and is starting to feed through to headline labour market indicators.
In the quarter to April 2025, wage growth across the economy remained strong, but is weaker compared to recent months. Unemployment and employment levels both rose (unemployment notably so), and economic inactivity fell, but still sits above 9 million.
In the three months to March 2025, wage growth across the economy remained strong and, while wages continued to rise in nominal and real terms, the rate of wage growth is showing signs of slowing.
In the three months to February 2025, wage growth across the economy showed signs of plateauing but remains strong, unemployment and employment levels both increased, while inactivity fell but is still stubbornly high.