Jobless claims in the UK rose weaker than expected in March, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showed Wednesday.
The claimant count in March was 1.61 million, up 3,600 on the previous month. Economists expected an increase of 6,000.
The claimant count rate was 4.9 percent, unchanged on the previous month. Economists expected an increase to 5 percent.
The unemployment rate during the three months through February was 8.3 percent, down 0.1 from the three months ended January. Economists had forecast the rate to remain unchanged.
Total pay, including bonuses rose 1.1 percent annually during the period, down 0.2 on the three months to January. Expectations were for an increase of 1.2 percent.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.