Job market weakens as unemployment rate rises to 5%

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The rate of UK unemployment has risen to 5% in the three months to September, showing signs the jobs market has weakened, according to new official figures.

It is the highest rate since 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Average wage growth was 4.6% in the third quarter, down from 4.7% over the three months to August.

“Taken together, these figures point to a weakening labour market,” said Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics for the ONS.

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