The Latest Breaking News from Office for National Statistics

A more relaxed work environment and a move to eating less meat are both reflected in this year's Office for National Statistics list

New figures show ‘cost-of-living crisis is already beginning to bite’, union leader says

Experts have warned that the pressure on household finances will intensify due to the Ukraine conflict, with eye-watering gas and fuel prices set to see inflation rise from 5.5% currently to nearly 9% or more in April

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news

Rishi Sunak says he is ‘confident labour market is in good position to deal with current global challenges’

Unemployment has fallen slightly in the North East but remains the highest in the UK, according to new figures

The number of workers on payrolls jumped by 275,000 between January and February to a fresh record of 29.7 million, the ONS said.

Those on a payroll system rose by 275,000 between January and February to 29.7 million, the Office for National Statistics said - but wage growth is still failing to keep up with inflation

The ONS said the changes show 'the impact of the pandemic still evident in our shopping habits'

Three in five over-50s have left the workforce sooner than planned since the pandemic started, with many taking early retirement

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine offer a glimmer of hope as this war approaches its third week. Representatives from both sides suggest that negotiations, which remain ongoing, may yield progress. Ukrainians fleeing for their lives, and ordinary Russians seeing their economy suffocate under crippling sanctions, must hope so.