Chancellor responds to August's labour market statistics

The Chancellor has responded to ONS August labour market statistics.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

“Thanks to the action we’ve taken in the jobs market, it’s great to see a record number of employees. 

“Our ambitious reforms will make work pay and help even more people into work – including by expanding free childcare next year – helping to deliver on our priority to grow the economy.”

Additional information:

• Our unemployment rate is lower than in Canada, France, Italy, Spain, and the Euro area.
• Our employment rate is higher than in the US, France, Italy, Spain and the Euro area.
• The unemployment rate (4.2%) remains low by historical standards.
• The Spring Budget delivers on our plan to grow the economy in a way that does not fuel inflation – with a package of major supply side reforms, tackling two of the biggest issues in UK economic growth – employment levels and business investment.
• The OBR forecast our jobs market reforms will bolster our labour market by more than 100,000 by 2027-28.