KPMG comments on today’s labour market data

“Today’s data confirm that the labour market is still too hot, as pay growth remains uncomfortably high despite a further drop in vacancies.

“UK pay has been rising well above the rate consistent with the Bank’s 2% target due to a combination of a severe inflation shock and a tight labour market, compounded by post-Brexit staff shortages and supply chain issues. These have created unique circumstances when compared to the US or Europe, and will probably require higher UK interest rates to bring pay growth to levels where the Bank of England is comfortable.

“While the labour market is likely to weaken in the coming months, as the Bank of England becomes more insistent in its fight against inflation, any rise in unemployment may be limited by a slowing recovery in the participation rate. We expect the unemployment rate to average 4.1% this year, in line with its levels over 2017-19.”

-ENDS-  

Jo Chileshe, Corporate Communications   

Tel:  +44 (0) 7919 211 803   
Email:  jo.chileshe@kpmg.co.uk  

KPMG Press Office  

Tel:  +44 (0) 207 694 8773  

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KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, operates from 20 offices across the UK with approximately 17,000 partners and staff. The UK firm recorded a revenue of £2.72 billion in the year ended 30 September 2022. 

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