London, February 17 (QNA) - The unemployment rate in the United Kingdom (UK) rose to its highest level in nearly five years at the end of 2025, according to official data.

The UK's Office for National Statistics said the unemployment rate rose to 5.2 percent in the final months of last year, compared to 5.1 percent in the three months to November.

Young people were the hardest hit, with the unemployment rate among those aged 16 to 24 rising to 16.1 percent, its highest level in more than a decade.

As for those employed, wages are still rising faster than prices, but the rate of wage growth has continued to slow.

Many companies have slowed their hiring, citing measures included in the last two budgets of Chancellor Rachel Reeves, including increased national insurance contributions for employers and a rise in the minimum wage, as factors that increase their costs. (QNA)