UK unemployment rate hits highest point in five years

It's the highest point since covid

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the unemployment rate had increase to 5.2% in December 2025.

This is the highest since the three months leading up to January 2021.

When Labour took office in July 2024, the rate stood at 4.1%.

Thinks look even bleaker for the younger generations.

The unemployment rate varies per age group, with those aged 18 to 24 having an unemployment rate increase from 13.7% to 14%.