Investing.com – The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in the U.K. rose significantly more-than-expected in June, official data showed on Wednesday.
In a report, the U.K. Office for National Statistics said that the claimant count rose by a seasonally adjusted 24,500 in June, above expectations for an increase of 15,000.
The previous month’s figure was revised up to 22,500 from a previously reported 19,600.
The rate of unemployment held steady in May at 7.7%, broadly in line with expectations.
The report also said that the average earnings index rose more-than-expected in May, climbing by a seasonally adjusted 2.3%, above expectations for a 2.1% gain. The previous month’s figure was revised up to 2.0% from 1.8%.
Following the release of the data, the pound was up against the U.S. dollar, with GBP/USD edging 0.17% higher to trade at 1.5942.
Meanwhile, European stock markets were mixed. The FTSE 100 eased up 0.2%, the EURO STOXX 50 rose 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 dipped 0.2%, while Germany's DAX advanced 0.25%.
In a report, the U.K. Office for National Statistics said that the claimant count rose by a seasonally adjusted 24,500 in June, above expectations for an increase of 15,000.
The previous month’s figure was revised up to 22,500 from a previously reported 19,600.
The rate of unemployment held steady in May at 7.7%, broadly in line with expectations.
The report also said that the average earnings index rose more-than-expected in May, climbing by a seasonally adjusted 2.3%, above expectations for a 2.1% gain. The previous month’s figure was revised up to 2.0% from 1.8%.
Following the release of the data, the pound was up against the U.S. dollar, with GBP/USD edging 0.17% higher to trade at 1.5942.
Meanwhile, European stock markets were mixed. The FTSE 100 eased up 0.2%, the EURO STOXX 50 rose 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 dipped 0.2%, while Germany's DAX advanced 0.25%.