BRITISH unemployment remains near its historical low but wages are still falling in real terms, official data showed today on the eve of a budget.

The unemployment rate was stable at 3.7% in the three months to the end of January compared with the three months to the end of December, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.

Wages, excluding bonuses, rose 6.5%, but dived 3.5% when inflation is taken into account.

“Although the inflation rate has come down a little, it’s still outstripping earnings growth, meaning real pay continues to fall,” said ONS economic statistics director Darren Morgan today.

Britain remains plagued by strikes as workers protest over pay failing to keep pace with consumer prices.

The data were published one day before finance minister Jeremy Hunt will unveil his latest budget, against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis that has sparked strikes across Britain.

UK hospital doctors yesterday began a three-day strike over pay at the start of a week that will also see teachers, train staff and civil servants walk out, in industrial action timed to coincide with the budget.

Annual UK inflation has cooled in recent months but remains above 10%, five times the rate targeted by the Bank of England.

“The job market remains strong, but inflation remains too high,” Hunt said in reaction to today’s data.

“Tomorrow at the budget, I will set out how we will go further to bear down on inflation, reduce debt and grow the economy, including by helping more people back into work.”

The UK inflation rate, despite a recent easing, remains close to a four-decade high on surging energy bills after key gas producer Russia invaded Ukraine one year ago. – AFP, March 14, 2023.