Jess Phillips ‘disappointed’ at rise in UK unemployment

 The UK unemployment rate rose to 4.7 per cent in the three months to May, reaching its highest level in four years, while average earnings growth slowed to 5 per cent.

A Home Office minister expressed disappointment over the latest unemployment figures, attributing the situation to 'fourteen years of totally stagnant growth'.

Labour's Jess Phillips agreed that the economy does not feel like it is performing well and acknowledged it would take time for people to feel less financially strained.

The Office for National Statistics indicated a continued weakening of the labour market, noting a decline in employee payrolls and a three-year continuous fall in job vacancies.

Firms are facing increased pressure due to significant rises in national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage, alongside heightened global trade tensions.