The UK's unemployment rate rose to 4.6% from February to April 2025, the highest since summer 2021. Payroll numbers dropped by 109,000 in May, marking the largest decline since May 2020. Annual pay growth slowed to 5.2%, and job availability fell for the 35th consecutive quarter. Rising employer costs and increased payroll taxes are causing firms to hesitate in hiring. The Bank of England faces challenges with slowing wage growth and rising inflation, with expectations of cautious rate cuts. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)