UK unemployment rises to 4.7% in May, highest in 4 years
- Economy
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 10:18 | 17 July 2025
- Modified Date: 10:19 | 17 July 2025
British unemployment was at 4.7% in May, up from 4.6% the previous months, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Thursday.
The figure marked the highest rate since May 2021 and exceeded the market forecast of 4.6% for the month.
There were around 1.67 million unemployed people-age 16 and older-in the UK, the office said.
The unemployment rate was above estimates of a year ago, and up in the latest quarter, ONS noted.
The country's employment rate was at 75.2%, and the number of employed persons was at 34.13 million as of May.
The economic inactivity rate in the country was at 21%.
The ONS also said employees' average earnings rose 5% in the country, slightly above estimates of 4.9%.
Average weekly earnings in May were estimated at £677 ($907.3).