Unemployment rates for March 2025 in the UK have risen to the highest level in almost four years according to The Office for National Statistics (ONS). Figures highlight that unemployment increased by 4.5% in the first three months of this year, up 0.2% on the previous quarter and the highest reading since summer 2021. Meanwhile, the UK economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of the year. Whether tax changes or further tariff developments will have an impact on growth later in the year is yet to be seen. Job vacancy numbers in the UK fell by 42,000 to 761,000 in February to April 2025. In the automotive sector from January – March there were 17,000 vacancies. The question also remains whether the Bank of England will continue to cut interest rates after cutting further to 4.25% last week. A survey on Monday had forecast weak growth for the economy compared to the positive growth. Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP Reeves cited that the boost showed the government’s plan was working and at faster pace than several EU countries as well as the US and Canada. However, the ONS commented that the unemployment rate figures must be treated with caution due to the low response rates on the survey from which they came. Nonetheless, unemployment rates remain a key concern when evaluating this month’s growth. For more information please refer to the link .