UK unemployment levels at lowest since 2008 financial crisis

The unemployment total dropped 121,000 to 2.12 million in the three months to May

The number of people signing on for Jobseeker’s Allowance also fell by 36,300 in June to 1.04 million, the 20th consecutive monthly decline and the lowest total since 2008 (Getty Images)

The number of people out of work has fallen to its lowest level since the height of the financial crisis in 2008.

The unemployment total dropped 121,000 to 2.12 million in the three months to May as the fast-growing British economy generated hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

The number of people signing on for Jobseeker’s Allowance also fell by 36,300 in June to 1.04 million, the 20th consecutive monthly decline and the lowest total since 2008.

However, most people in work are still suffering, with average base pay rising just 0.7 per cent — the lowest rate since detailed records began in 2001, and well below the 1.9 per cent rate of inflation.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “It’s good to see unemployment falling, but with pay growth falling to a record low, serious questions must be asked about the quality of jobs being created in Britain today.

“If all the recovery can deliver is low-paid, low-productivity jobs then Britain’s long-term economic prospects will be seriously diminished.”

But employment minister Esther McVey said: “It’s clear that the Government’s long-term economic plan to help businesses create jobs and get people working again is the right one.”