Unemployment & Economic Inactivity Increase

According to the latest labour market overview from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the level of unemployment has increased from 3.8% to 4.3% between the final quarter of 2023, and the first quarter of 2024. Moreover, during the same period, the level of economic inactivity has also increased from 21.9% to 22.1%, and remains 1.6% above its pre-pandemic level. The Government is currently heavily focused upon reducing the level of economic inactivity, with recent announcements in relation to changes in the way sick notes are issued, the new WorkWell scheme, and extra funding for occupational health services.