Labour kills jobs in companies… whereas the state booms: Unemployment rises once more however public sector bucks pattern – with pay rises nearly DOUBLE remainder of the workforce

The rate of UK unemployment rose to 5.1 per cent in the three months to October, up from 5 per cent in the three months to September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said today.

The ONS added that UK average regular earnings growth fell to 4.6 per cent in the three months to October and was 0.9 per cent higher after taking Consumer Prices Index inflation into account.

Annual average regular earnings growth was 3.9 per cent for the private sector and 7.6 per cent for the public sector – although the ONS said the public sector rate is affected by some public sector pay rises being paid earlier in 2025 than in 2024.

Employment in the public sector was estimated at 6.18million in September 2025, an increase of 7,000 compared with June 2025, and an increase of 62,000 compared with September 2024. 

More to follow 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the International Convention Centre Wales on December 1