The UK’s record jobs market continued into 2019 with 473,000 more people in work in January compared to a year ago, while the UK’s employment rate reached an all-time high of 76.1%.
New figures show that wages continued to outstrip inflation for twelve months in a row.
Minister of State for Employment Alok Sharma welcomed the figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which also showed unemployment falling below 4% for the first time since the mid-1970’s.
Companies are driving the growth, with private sector employment up by 3.8 million since 2010. The figures also revealed a higher rate of women in work than ever before.
Minister of State for Employment Alok Sharma said:
“Today’s employment figures are further evidence of the strong economy the Chancellor detailed in last week’s spring statement, showing how our pro-business policies are delivering record employment.
“2019 has continued to be a record breaker, with the employment rate topping 76% for the first time, record female employment and unemployment falling below 4% for the first time in 44 years.
“Our jobs market remains resilient as we see more people than ever before benefitting from earning a wage. By backing the Government’s Brexit deal and giving certainty to business, MPs have the chance to safeguard this jobs track record.”
