UK

UK unemployment rate rises to 5.2% in December 2025

The UK's unemployment rate rose to 5.2% in December 2025, the highest level since early 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This increase from 4.1% when Labour took office in 2024 coincided with a decline in wage growth, which cooled to 4.2% year-on-year, down from 4.4%. The number of job vacancies remained stable, but redundancies have increased, and the unemployment rate for those aged 18 to 24 rose to 14%.

NHS workers face debt collectors over salary overpayments

Debt collectors in the UK have begun pursuing thousands of NHS workers for salary overpayments, as reported by the BBC. The aggressive tactics employed by these collectors have raised concerns, with some workers facing harassment and intimidation. This situation has prompted calls for a review of the practices used in recovering overpayments from public sector employees.