Employment rate remains at near-record high

Figures show that employment rate remains at near-record high and that groups across society are accessing new job opportunities

Official figures show that the unemployment rate remains near-record low of 4.4%, with the employment rate at a near-record high of 75.2%.

Today’s figures also revealed:

• Nearly 500,000 more people from black and minority ethnic background (BAME) have started working since 2015.
• The gender employment rate gap is at a near-record low, just 8.9%.
• Every region across the UK has seen employment increase since 2010.
• Youth employment has fallen by over 40% since 2010.
• There are a record-breaking number of workers aged 50 plus in work, reaching 10 million.

Minister for Employment Alok Sharma said: “High employment rates are a reliable feature of today’s economy – and this is an incredible achievement. It is equally important that across society everyone has the opportunity to get a good job and get on in life.

“Today’s figures show that this government is building a fairer economy that supports people from all backgrounds to get into work. We are closing the BAME and gender employment gaps, and people across the country are accessing new opportunities.”