Figures show UK unemployment is down ahead of autumn budget

• The UK unemployment rate fell to 4.7 per cent in the three months to August, reaching its lowest level in more than a year.
• Job vacancies dropped by 21,000 to a five-year low of 691,000 in the three months to September, driven by rising costs and hiring uncertainty.
• Average regular earnings growth rose to 3.7 per cent in the three months to August, achieving a 0.8 per cent increase above inflation.
• Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden highlighted the labour market's strength while committing to 200,000 youth jobs via hospitality and retail partnerships.
• Business groups urged Chancellor John Healey to cut National Insurance for young workers and reduce taxes on firms in the upcoming Budget.

IN FULL

UK unemployment falls to lowest in a year — but vacancies hit five-year low