Unemployment at lowest level since before 2008 financial crisis

Jobless rate fell to 5.4 per cent in August, official figures show

Unemployment fell to 1.77 million in August

The number of people in unemployment is at its lowest level since before the 2008 financial crisis, official figures have revealed.

The Office for National Statistics said the jobless rate fell to 5.4 per cent in August, a fall of 79,000 to 1.77 million in three months.

Employment has hit another record high, the Labour Force Survey showed, while wages have also continued to show signs of growth.

Average earnings increased by 3 per cent in the year to August, a rise of 0.1 per cent on the previous month.

However the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance rose last month by 4,600, taking the total to 796,200.

More details to follow...