According to the report from Office for National Statistics, the UK unemployment rate was estimated at 3.9%; it has not been lower since November 1974 to January 1975. Unemployment was expected to remain at 4.0%

• The UK employment rate was estimated at 76.1%, higher than for a year earlier (75.3%) and the highest figure on record.

• The UK economic inactivity rate was estimated at 20.7%, lower than for a year earlier (21.2%) and the lowest figure on record.

• Excluding bonuses, average weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain were estimated to have increased by 3.4%, before adjusting for inflation, and by 1.4%, after adjusting for inflation, compared with a year earlier.

• Including bonuses, average weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain were estimated to have increased by 3.4%, before adjusting for inflation, and by 1.5%, after adjusting for inflation, compared with a year earlier.