The Office for National Statistics released the labour market data today. The U.K. unemployment rate remained uncaged at 6.0% in the August to October quarter, missing expectations for a decline to 5.9%.
The claimant count decreased by 26,900 people in November, exceeding expectations for a drop of 19,800 people, after a decrease of 25,100 people in October. October's figure was revised from a decline of 20,400.
Average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, climbed by 1.6% in the August to October period, in line with expectations, up from a revised 1.2% rise in the previous three months.
Average weekly earnings, including bonuses, rose by 1.4% in the August to October period, beating expectations for a gain to 1.3%, after a 1.0% increase in the previous three months.
That was the first time for six years that earnings growth (both measures) has exceeded the inflation rate. The U.K. consumer price index declined to an annual rate of 1.0% in November from 1.3% in October.