Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UK unemployment rises to highest level since 2021

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the figure was up from 4.4 per cent in the three months to the end of February.

UK unemployment

Commuters cross London Bridge on October 15, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

THE UK’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, the highest level since August 2021, according to official figures released on Tuesday.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the figure was up from 4.4 per cent in the three months to the end of February.


The data covers a period before April’s rise in business tax announced in the Labour government’s first budget in October. It also comes before a 10 per cent baseline tariff on the UK and other countries imposed by US President Donald Trump last month.

“The broader picture continues to be of the (UK) labour market cooling, with the number of employees on payroll falling in the first quarter of the year,” said Liz McKeown, ONS director of economic statistics.

“Wage growth slowed slightly in the latest period but remains relatively strong, with public and private sectors... showing little difference,” she added.

Analysts said the figures could lead the Bank of England to cut interest rates twice more this year, after two reductions earlier in 2025.

“While the jobs market weakened further, this isn't feeding through to a marked easing in pay growth,” said Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics.

“That will probably keep the Bank of England cutting interest rates at the current pace of once every quarter.”

She added, “Further softening in employment in April suggests businesses continued to respond to the rise in business taxes and the minimum wage by reducing headcount.”

More For You

Streeting says no money set aside for assisted dying service

Health secretary Wes Streeting attends an event to launch “NHS Day of Action” on March 28, 2025 in Runcorn, England.(Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

Streeting says no money set aside for assisted dying service

HEALTH SECRETARY Wes Streeting has revealed there is no money in the budget to set up an assisted dying service, just days after MPs voted to support the controversial law.

The new legislation passed by a narrow margin of 23 votes last Friday (20), but Streeting - who opposed the bill - said the government hasn't allocated any funds to make it work, the BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK braces for second heatwave

The UK has started the week with a noticeable drop in temperatures after the recent spell of hot weather

iStock

UK braces for second heatwave as temperatures climb midweek

Key points

  • UK sees a cooler start to the week after recent heatwave
  • Temperatures forecast to rise again by Wednesday in parts of England
  • Midlands, eastern and southeastern England could see highs of 30°C
  • Overnight humidity may lead to heavy, thundery showers midweek
  • Glastonbury and Wimbledon expected to enjoy mostly dry, warm weather

Warm spell returns after short-lived fresher weather

The UK has started the week with a noticeable drop in temperatures after the recent spell of hot weather. However, this break from the heat is expected to be brief, with forecasters predicting a second rise in temperatures for parts of England by midweek.

A south-westerly airflow replacing the recent westerlies will begin drawing warmer air back into the country. This shift means areas in central and southeastern England could again see temperatures reaching the high twenties by Wednesday, bringing the possibility of a second UK heatwave, especially across eastern regions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Qurbani Support: Islamic Relief UK Aids Families in Newham

This year’s Qurbani campaign by Islamic Relief UK spans across the country

Islamic Relief UK

Islamic Relief UK and Newham Community Project deliver Qurbani food packs to vulnerable families

Islamic Relief UK partnered with Newham Community Project this Qurbani to distribute food parcels to vulnerable individuals and families affected by the rising cost-of-living crisis in the London Borough of Newham and surrounding areas.

On 20 June 2025, the organisations delivered 300 food packs to support local households, including refugees, migrants, vulnerable women, and people with no access to public funds. The initiative took place during Dhul Hijjah, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, when Muslims around the world donate Qurbani — the religious tradition of sacrificing meat and sharing it with those in need.

Keep ReadingShow less
Government launches urgent national maternity care probe

Black women nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women, while Asian mothers face double the risk. (Photo for representation: iStock)

Government launches urgent national maternity care probe

HEALTH SECRETARY Wes Streeting has ordered an immediate nationwide probe into England's maternity services following a string of NHS scandals that have cost the lives of hundreds of mothers and babies.

The fast-track investigation will focus on the country's poorest-performing maternity and baby care units, with findings expected by December 2025, the BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave abates as rain and cooler air sweep in

The upcoming week is forecast to remain unsettled

iStock

UK heatwave abates as rain and cooler air sweep in

Key points

  • UK's hottest day of the year recorded on Saturday at 33.2°C in Charlwood
  • Amber heat-health alert remains in effect until Monday morning
  • Sunday brought fresher conditions with showers and lower humidity
  • Week ahead will be unsettled, with rain and brief warm spells
  • Train passengers were evacuated during Saturday’s extreme heat

Heat gives way to fresher, unsettled conditions

Following a spell of extreme heat, wind and rain have moved in across the UK, bringing relief and lower temperatures. Saturday saw the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 33.2°C (91.8°F) in Charlwood, near Gatwick.

By Sunday, the weather turned fresher with scattered showers and sunshine for most areas. Humidity levels dropped, and temperatures were significantly lower than the day before.

Keep ReadingShow less