The Office for National Statistics released the labour market data today. The U.K. unemployment rate dropped to 6.0% in the June to August quarter from 6.4% in the three months to July, exceeding expectations for a decline of 6.1%. That was the lowest level since late 2008.

The claimant count decreased by 18,600 people in September, missing expectations for a drop of 34,200 people, after a decrease of 33,200 people in August. August's figure was revised from a decline of 37,200.

The employment rate is now 73%.

Average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, climbed by 0.9% in the June to August period.

Average weekly earnings, including bonuses, rose by 0.7% in the June to August period, but remained below the current inflation of 1.2%.