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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Business
Henry Saker-Clark

Unemployment to jump to 5.3% as UK economy faces slower growth, says OBR

The Chancellor said economic growth was downgraded for 2026 (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) - (PA Wire)

UK unemployment is to worsen further to about 5.3% while economic growth forecasts have also been cut, the UK’s official forecaster has said.

The Office for Budget Responsibility also said unemployment would be higher than expected for the next two years, amid pressure from “subdued hiring demand” for new workers.

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