UK's unemployment rate falls to 4.3%, nearing pre-COVID levels

By Aysu Bicer

ANKARA (AA) - The unemployment rate in the UK has decreased to 4.3%, approaching pre-pandemic levels, according to data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Tuesday.

The number of employees in the country totaled 29.3 million, up 160,000 in October from the revised September figure despite the end of the furlough scheme, the ONS said.

Labour Force Survey estimates for July to September indicated that the employment rate rose 0.4 percentage points on the quarter, to 75.4%, showing a continuing recovery in the labor market.

"The quarterly increase in employment was driven by a record high net flow from unemployment to employment," it said.

The number of job vacancies in August to October continued to rise to a new record of 1.1 million an increase of 388,000 from the pre-coronavirus pandemic January to March 2020 level, with 15 of the 18 industry sectors showing record highs.

Total hours worked also increased on the quarter with the relaxation COVID-19 restrictions.