The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its labour market data on Wednesday. The U.K. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.5% in the February to April quarter, in line with expectations. It was the lowest level since 2008.

The claimant count decreased by 6,500 people in May, missing expectations for a drop by 12,300, after a decrease of 7,800 people in April. April's figure was revised down from a decline of 12,600.

Average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, climbed by 2.7% in the February to April quarter, exceeding expectations for a rise by 2.5%, after a 2.3% gain in the November to January quarter. It was the highest gain since December to February 2009.

The previous three months' figure was revised up from a 2.2% increase.

Average weekly earnings, including bonuses, rose by 2.7% in the February to April quarter, exceeding expectations for a gain of 2.1%, after a 2.3% increase in the November to January quarter. It was the highest rise since June to August 2011.

The previous three months' figure was revised up from a 1.9% rise.

The Bank of England monitors closely the wages growth it considers when to start hiking its interest rate.