18/06/2026
Unemployment fell slightly to 4.9 per cent, the expectation is that it will rise as businesses remain cautious about hiring. According to the BCC's latest forecast it could reach 5.2 per cent by Christmas as firms struggle with labour cost pressures.
With vacancies falling and a rise in economic inactivity, this would suggest many businesses are pressing pause on recruitment as uncertainty looms around costs, global headwinds and domestic policies.
Government must act to support business confidence and unlock hiring by tackling cost pressures on firms and ensuring young people have the skills businesses need!!!