The unemployment rate has risen to 5.2 per cent, the highest non-Covid level since 2015. Unemployment is now up by a quarter since Labour took office. Youth unemployment is also at its highest level (16.1 per cent) since 2015 and has likewise grown since Labour were elected. Over the past year the rise in unemployment in the UK has been (by some margin) the fastest in the G7.

Reform might not fancy going into a general election with a slogan aimed at young people of: ‘Vote for us and we’ll cut your wages.’

Reform might not fancy going into a general election with a slogan aimed at young people of: ‘Vote for us and we’ll cut your wages.’

Youth unemployment rising is particularly sensitive because at the 2024 general election Labour had a manifesto commitment to have the same minimum wage for younger workers as for adults. Under the current rules those aged 18 to 20 have a lower minimum wage (£10 per hour) than those over 21 (£12.21 per hour). Minimum wages for workers under 21 were already raised........

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