UK job market hits record employment rate

New figures, released today, have revealed a record employment rate of 76.3%, the highest since the mid-1970s

The UK employment rate has reached 76.3%, keeping unemployment at its lowest level since 1974.

All regions of the UK are benefiting from increased employment with the number of work climbing to 3.55 million in the North West and 317,000 women entering jobs in the last year.

While the employment rate has risen, inflation has been outpaced for the 22^nd month in a row.

The figures also show an uptake in 3.1 million people entering high-quality careers which offer future progression.

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies said:

These figures show not only more people in work than ever before, but it’s also pleasing to see alongside this a rise in those working in higher-skilled roles. It means at the dawn of the decade the opportunities to progress in work are out there, with people already benefiting from another month of rising wages.

This, coupled with business confidence turning a corner, is paving the way for an even stronger jobs market in 2020.

And with unemployment at its lowest since the 1970s, our jobcentres go beyond getting people into work – they are about community and progression. Reaching out to more people, and supporting those in work to get ahead.