Economics

U.K. Labor Market Unexpectedly Strong as Employment Rises

Economy added 102,000 jobs between September and November
Figures will fuel Bank of England debate over slack in economy

Workers pick stock for store replenishment at the John Lewis Plc customer fulfilment and distribution centre in Milton Keynes, U.K., on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017. John Lewis Plc operates as a departmental store; retailing home and electronic appliances, furniture, clothing, nursery products, sports and leisure items, and toys among others.Photographer: Luke MacGregor

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By David Goodman

January 24, 2018 at 9:30 AM UTC

Updated on

January 24, 2018 at 10:41 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

The U.K. labor market displayed unexpected resilience in the three months through November as employment jumped and wage growth ticked higher.

The number of people in work rose 102,000 to a record high, confounding market expectations that employment would fall. Basic pay growth quickened to 2.4 percent, the highest in almost a year, though it still lags well behind the rate of inflation.