The unemployment rate in the United Kingdom increased to 4.6% for the three-month period ending in April, marking the highest level since July 2021. This rise underscores ongoing weaknesses within the labor market, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics on Tuesday.

The reported figure aligns with market forecasts.

In May, the number of people applying for unemployment benefits rose by 33,100, in contrast to a decrease of 21,200 recorded in April.

Predictions had suggested a more modest increase of approximately 9,500 applicants.

Data on employment change indicated a net addition of 89,000 jobs in April, down from an increase of 112,000 in March.

Average earnings in the UK, excluding bonuses, showed a year-on-year rise of 5.2% for the three months leading up to April, compared to a revised growth of 5.5% in the previous reading.

The figures were slightly above forecasts, which anticipated an increase of 5.4%.

Additionally, the measure of wage inflation that includes bonuses rose by 5.3% during the same period, having recorded a revised growth of 5.6% for the quarter ending in March, falling short of expectations of 5.5%.