Unemployment falls to 4.8%

Unemployment fell by 16,000 to 4.8% in the last quarter, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

The ONS figures show that between May to July 2016 and August to October 2016, the number of people in work was little changed, the number of unemployed people fell slightly and the number of people not working and not seeking or available to work (economically inactive) increased.

There were 31.76 million people in work, little changed compared with May to July 2016 but 342,000 more than for a year earlier.  The ONS says the increase in the employment rate for women is partly due to ongoing changes to the State Pension age for women resulting in fewer women retiring between the ages of 60 and 65.

There were 23.20 million people working full-time, 235,000 more than for a year earlier. There were 8.56 million people working part-time, 107,000 more than for a year earlier. The number of self-employed people increased by 129,000 to 4.75 million, representing 15% of all people in work.

Unemployment fell mainly among men and was little changed for women compared with the May to July figures, but 49,000 less than for a year earlier.

Average weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain not adjusted for inflation increased by 2.5% including bonuses and by 2.6% excluding bonuses compared with a year earlier.

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