UK payrolls rose 13k in September, official data showed, versus market consensus for an 8k drop; August payrolls were revised from a 26k fall to a 1k rise. The three‑month unemployment rate to August unexpectedly fell to 4.7%, the lowest since July 2025. The ONS warned estimates remain affected by data‑collection quality issues. The surprise strengthens Chancellor John Healey’s position ahead of a key budget next week.

2026-10-20

UK payrolls rose 13k in September, official data showed, versus market consensus for an 8k drop; August payrolls were revised from a 26k fall to a 1k rise. The three‑month unemployment rate to August unexpectedly fell to 4.7%, the lowest since July 2025. The ONS warned estimates remain affected by data‑collection quality issues. The surprise strengthens Chancellor John Healey’s position ahead of a key budget next week.