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Further fall in UK unemployment Further fall in UK unemployment
(10 minutes later)
Unemployment in the UK fell by 29,000 between September and November to 1.67 million, official figures have shown.Unemployment in the UK fell by 29,000 between September and November to 1.67 million, official figures have shown.
The claimant count fell by 5,500 in December to 943,100, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported. The drop left Britain's jobless rate at 5.5%, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported.
Average earnings increased by 4.1% in the year to November, unchanged from the previous month. The number of people out of work and claiming benefit fell by 5,500 in December to 943,100.
The figures continue to suggest that the UK labour market is in better shape than many had thought, and could point to further rate rises. Separately, average earnings increased by a less-than-expected 4.1% in the three months to November, despite a tightening labour market.
Analysts had expected average earnings to rise by 4.2% during the period.
The latest jobless figures suggest the UK labour market remains in better shape than many had thought.
The Bank of England last week unexpectedly raised UK interest rates to 5.25% - from 5% - in an effort to curb inflation.The Bank of England last week unexpectedly raised UK interest rates to 5.25% - from 5% - in an effort to curb inflation.
However, the ONS revealed on Tuesday that inflation had jumped to an 11-year high of 3% in December, raising the prospect of more interest rate increases.However, the ONS revealed on Tuesday that inflation had jumped to an 11-year high of 3% in December, raising the prospect of more interest rate increases.