Written questions

Unemployment: Government Assistance

Commons · Question 3264 · Tabled 20 May 2026 · Department for Work and Pensions · Official record

Answered 8 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Wendy Morton

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the increase in the unemployment rate to 5 per cent in the first quarter of 2026; what estimate his Department has made of the number of additional people expected to beco

Answer

Answered by Dame Diana Johnson, 8 Jun 2026

The unemployment rate has fallen 0.2%pts on the quarter to 5.0%. We work closely with employers in sectors such as hospitality and retail to help people move into work, including where vacancy levels have reduced. This is delivered through a consistent em...