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MNN UK · April 21, 2026 · 1 min read

UK unemployment falls to 4.9% despite lowest pay growth in five years

What happened: UK unemployment unexpectedly dropped to 4.9% in the three months to February, the lowest since last summer, while pay growth slowed to its weakest in five years. The labour market remains fragile amid concerns over the impact of the Iran conflict.

Why it matters:

  • A lower unemployment rate suggests some resilience in the UK jobs market despite economic pressures.
  • Slower pay growth and potential job cuts linked to geopolitical tensions may affect workers and economic stability.

MNN Take: The UK labour market shows mixed signals, with fewer people unemployed but slower wage increases. External factors like the Iran war add uncertainty to future employment trends.

Sources: Guardian UK