UK January ILO unemployment rate 5.2% vs 5.3% expected

Latest data released by ONS - 19 March 2026 Prior 5.2%Employment change 84k vs -4k expectedPrior 52kAverage weekly earnings +3.9% vs +3.9% 3m/y expectedPrior +4.2%Average weekly earnings (ex bonus) +3.8% vs +4.0% 3m/y expectedPrior +4.2%; revised to +4.1%February payrolls change 20kPrior -11k; revised to 6kThere are quite a few positives to note, one that the BOE can be… Prior 5.2% Employment change 84k vs -4k expected Prior 52k Average weekly earnings +3.9% vs +3.9% 3m/y expected Prior +4.2% Average weekly earnings (ex bonus) +3. Prior 5.2% Employment change 84k vs -4k expected Prior 52k Average weekly earnings +3.9% vs +3.9% 3m/y expected Prior +4.2% Average weekly earnings (ex bonus) +3.8% vs +4.0% 3m/y expected Prior +4.2%; revised to +4.1% February payrolls change 20k Prior -11k; revised to 6k There are quite a few positives to note, one that the BOE can be a little happier with at the balance. For one, the jobless rate… For traders, releases like this can quickly shift rate expectations, currency direction, index futures and broad risk sentiment. Watch the next move in the dollar, front-end yields and index futures to see whether the market prices this release as a true surprise or only a passing headline.