UK unemployment data has dodged a downturn in the wake of Brexit, remaining steady at 4.9 percent.

The figure represents a 0.6 percent fall from this time last year, with the total unemployment figure at 1.63 million.

The positive data suggests the job market has yet to feel a negative effect from Brexit, despite warnings from major businesses before the referendum.

Ben Brettell, senior economist at Hargreaves Lansdown, commented:

“The UK’s labour market proved resilient in the immediate aftermath of the vote to leave the EU, ONS data has shown.

“This is the latest piece of evidence which shows the economy has fared better than expected since June’s referendum.”

The figures were supported by a strong growth in self-employment and a lean towards part-time working. Growth in average weekly earnings including bonuses also slowed slightly, increasing 2.3 percent on last year, but remaining ahead of the UK’s 0.6 percent inflation rate.

14/09/2016