STORY
UK employers cut hiring and posted fewer vacancies in April, according to official data that added to pressure on the Government over the state of the economy. Reuters reported that early payroll figures from HM Revenue and Customs showed a fall of 100,000 employees between March and April, the largest monthly drop since the early stages of the pandemic, though the Office for National Statistics said the estimate was likely to be revised.
The unemployment rate rose to 5.0% in the three months to March, while vacancies fell to their lowest level since early 2021. The ONS said lower-paying sectors including hospitality and retail had seen some of the largest falls in payroll numbers and vacancies over the latest period and across the year.
The figures come as ministers seek to demonstrate that the Government can deliver growth despite domestic political pressure and international economic uncertainty. Employers have warned that higher labour costs and employment law changes are affecting hiring plans, while the Government argues that its wider economic programme is designed to support investment and living standards.