A record 31.4m Brits now have jobs, says government

The number of Britons in work has risen to a record high of 31.4m after more than 500k people found employment over the last year, according to new government figures.

While growth was driven by an increase in full-time jobs, wages also continued to rise, increasing by 2% in the last 12 months.

Further, the total number of job vacancies passed the 750k mark and unemployment fell to its lowest since 2006 at 5.1%. Similarly, long-term unemployment is now at a six-year low, falling by 488k in 2015.

Discussing the data, Employment Minister Priti Patel commented: “This is a record-breaking set of figures – and has got 2016 off to a fantastic start.

“There are now more people in work than ever before and wages are growing – a credit to hard-working Brits and businesses alike. And in a further demonstration of the strength of the UK labour market, today’s figures show there are a record three quarters of a million vacancies.”

Elsewhere, the government figures point to a record number of women in work at 14.66m. Employment rates for young people have also risen, with the proportion finding employment after full-time education rising to 74.6%.

Speaking further, the Employment Minister said: “As a one nation government we will build on this throughout the coming year – doubling childcare for working parents and introducing the new National Living Wage – ensuring that everyone has increased financial security and the opportunity to get on and succeed in life.”

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