Jobless rate steady, but wages ease and vacancies decline

  • UK jobless rate remains steady at 4.2% in three months to September
  • Average wage growth eases to 7.7% between July and September
  • Total vacancies fall to lowest point since mid-2021 at 957,000
  • BOE’s efforts to reduce inflation may conflict with the need for jobs
  • Easing wage growth is a boon for the BOE ahead of inflation data for October

The UK’s jobless rate remained steady at 4.2% in the three months to September, but average wage growth eased to 7.7% between July and September. Total vacancies also fell to their lowest point since mid-2021. This cooling labor market is seen as a boost for the Bank of England’s efforts to bring down inflation. However, there is a conflict between the BOE’s inflation battle and the need for jobs. Easing wage growth is seen as positive ahead of inflation data for October. The BOE has paused interest-rate rises as inflation cools, but wage growth is expected to ease slowly, delaying rate cuts until late next year.

Public Companies: Bank of England (BOE)
Private Companies: Webull UK
Key People: Nick Saunders (Chief Executive of Webull UK), Samuel Tombs (Pantheon Macroeconomics’ Economist), Ashley Webb (U.K. Economist at Capital Economics)


Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides factual information about the U.K.’s jobless rate and average wage growth, citing data from the Office for National Statistics. It also includes quotes from economists and experts, providing different perspectives on the situation. However, there is some speculation and opinion presented as well, such as the conflict between reducing inflation and the need for jobs. Overall, the article is mostly based on factual information but includes some subjective elements.

Noise Level: 6
Justification: The article provides information on the U.K.’s jobless rate and wage growth, which is relevant to the topic. However, it lacks in-depth analysis and fails to explore the consequences of the data on those who bear the risks. The article also lacks scientific rigor and intellectual honesty as it relies on economists’ expectations without providing evidence or data to support the claims. Overall, the article contains some relevant information but lacks depth and critical analysis.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article provides information on the U.K.’s jobless rate, average wage growth, and inflation, which are all relevant to financial markets and companies in the U.K.

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article discusses economic indicators such as jobless rate, wage growth, and inflation, which are important factors for financial markets and companies. However, there is no mention of any extreme events or their impact.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com