April Labour Market Statistics: comment from the Institute for Employment Studies
Commenting on today’s figures, Naomi Clayton, Chief Executive at the Institute for Employment Studies said:
“Despite a modest fall in unemployment, the UK labour market remains weak overall. Economic inactivity has risen, with fewer people actively looking for work. Following early signs of stabilisation, vacancies and payrolled employment have fallen, with early estimates indicating a drop of over 14,000 retail jobs.
“Real pay growth has continued to slow, with annual regular pay growth up just 0.2% in December 2025 to February 2026, meaning wages are barely keeping pace with living costs. Amid heightened global instability and economic uncertainty, it’s vital that the government works with employers to rebuild momentum in the labour market and support people back into work.”