Over 75 pct of working age people in Britain now in jobs, says ONS

Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-18 23:27:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan
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LONDON, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- More than three-quarters of working-age people in Britain are now in jobs, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed Wednesday.

At the same time, 4.3 percent, or 1.44 million people unemployed, the lowest level since 1975. Although the total is down from the unemployment level of 5 percent a year ago, it remains the same as the previous quarter.

The unemployment rate among women is now at a record low of 4.2 percent, said ONS.

It said 32.10 million people are now in jobs in the latest quarter year, 94,000 more than in the March to May quarter, and 317,000 more than the same period last year.

But the latest figures, coming a day after the rate of inflation reached 3 percent, show that average weekly earnings for employees in Britain in real terms fell by 0.3 percent including bonuses and by 0.4 percent excluding bonuses, compared with a year earlier.

With wages continuing to fall behind inflation, it is likely to lead to demands from trade union bosses for bigger pay increases for workers.

Commenting on the figures, senior ONS statistician Matt Hughes said: "Many labor market measures continue to strengthen. Employment growth in the latest three-month period was driven mainly by women, with a corresponding drop in inactivity. Vacancies remain robust, at a near-record level."

"On the other hand, total earnings in cash terms grew slower than prices over the last year, meaning their real value continues to fall, down 0.3 percent over that period."

The main opposite Labour Party's employment spokeswoman, Margaret Greenwood, said: "With a record number of working people living in poverty, the news that real wages have fallen yet again is deeply concerning.

"While the overall increase in employment is welcome, it's also clear from today's figures that too many people are struggling to find employment because of their age, ethnicity, disability, or where they live."

Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said: "Britain desperately needs a pay rise. Working people are earning less today in real terms than a decade ago. The Chancellor must help struggling families when he gives his Budget next month."

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