UK employment reaches 31.42m record high

Official figures for the Department for Work and Pensions have found that more people are in work than ever before.

Data shows that 31.42 million people are in full time work, half a million more than the previous year. The UK’s employment rate now stands at 74.1 per cent, the highest recorded since records began in 1971, with wages rising by 2.2 per cent compared to last year.

In particular the figures showed that private sector employment was equally high at 26.1 million.

The unemployment rate has remained the same at 4.1 per cent, the lowest in ten years, with the number of people claiming unemployment benefits falling to its lowest level since 1975.

Commenting on the figures, Employment Minister Priti Patel said: “This is another strong set of figures showing private sector employment at the highest since records began, wages rising and a near record number of job vacancies available in the UK economy. This strength is a real credit to hard-working people and businesses alike.

“With unemployment now standing at 5.1 per cent – half the Eurozone average – it’s clear that we are delivering on our promise to support people to get on in life, and create greater economic security for all.”