UK jobs solid: Claimants count change, jobless rate beat expectations

The Office for National Statistics noted on Wednesday, the UK’s official jobless rate ticked lower to 4.5% in May, while the claimant count rose less-than expectations.

The number of people claiming jobless benefits increased by only 6.0k in June, against expectations of a 10.0k increase and 7.5k seen previously. The claimant count rate steadied at 2.3%.

Wage growth, excluding bonuses bettered expectations, coming in at 2.0% versus 1.8% last, while the gauge including bonuses came in line with the consensus forecast of 1.8% 3m y/y versus 2.1% last.