DWF's employment law experts take a look at the latest labour market data for the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Large scale industrial unrest persists despite stable labour market
UK wide data
The latest employment ONS figures for the period November 2022 to January 2023 continue to demonstrate a stable labour market. The highlights for the period show a UK employment rate of 75.7%, 0.1% higher than the previous quarter. The UK unemployment rate was estimated at 3.7%, largely unchanged compared with the previous quarter. The UK economic inactivity rate was estimated at 21.3%, 0.2% lower than the previous three month period. The World Cup reportedly helped the UK avoid a recession and will also have undoubtedly helped to maintain the resilient employment rate during this period as pubs and restaurants experienced a surge in trade.
Commenting on the UK data, Joanne Frew, Global Head of Employment and Pensions at DWF, said: "Despite a relatively stable market there is still a large degree of industrial unrest, with junior doctors taking part in a three-day strike this week. In addition to industrial action, attraction and retention of staff remains a cause for concern for employers as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. Employees are demanding more pay and it is often the case that the employer simply cannot meet the demand. Employee engagement has never been more important. Employers are looking at new and innovative ways to attract and retain talent – from...
Ed Sheeran’s controversial US tour has sparked a wave of viral rumours. A false claim that his music was removed from Spotify racked up more than 3 million views on X, despite his his music remain...