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UK unemployment falls to 4.7% in the three months to August

The ONS estimates the UK unemployment rate at 4.7% for June to August 2026, down 0.1 points on the quarter and on the year. The employment rate for people aged 16 to 64 rose to 75.3%.

By FTC Editorial TeamPublished 1 min read

The Office for National Statistics estimated on 20 October 2026 that the UK unemployment rate was 4.7% in the three months to August. That is 0.1 percentage points lower than in the previous quarter and a year earlier.

UK unemployment falls to 4.7% in the three months to August — trend versus range diagram
A trending market compared with a ranging one

The main measures

  • Unemployment rate: 4.7% in June to August 2026
  • Employment rate, aged 16 to 64: 75.3%, up 0.2 points on the year and on the quarter
  • Economic inactivity rate, aged 16 to 64: 20.9%, down 0.1 points on the quarter

The ONS describes unemployment as down both on the year and in the latest quarter, so the figure is lower than a year ago and than in March to May.

UK unemployment falls to 4.7% in the three months to August — risk-reward diagram
A risk-reward ratio of 1 to 2

Reading it

Unemployment is slightly lower while the employment rate has risen and inactivity has fallen, which suggests more people are in work or looking for it. The figures come from the Labour Force Survey, which is a sample survey and carries sampling variation, so one quarter's change should be read against the trend.

UK unemployment falls to 4.7% in the three months to August — candlestick anatomy diagram
The parts of a candlestick: wick, body, open and close

For the earlier report, see the UK labour market in September. For the vacancy figures from the same release, see UK vacancies. Live prices: GBP/USD.

Sources

  1. Office for National Statistics: Employment in the UK: October 2026, 20 October 2026

Common questions

What was the UK unemployment rate in June to August 2026?

The ONS estimates it at 4.7%, down 0.1 points on the quarter and on the year.

What was the UK employment rate in June to August 2026?

The employment rate for people aged 16 to 64 was 75.3%, up 0.2 points on the year and on the quarter.

Why is the Labour Force Survey read with care?

It is a sample survey, so quarterly changes can be affected by sampling variation and are best read against the trend.

This article is for information only and is not financial advice. Trading forex and CFDs carries a high risk of losing money. Read the risk warning. Spotted an error? Tell the editors.

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