Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, commenting on today’s ONS UK Labour Market Statistics, said:

“The ONS figures today are concerning, with unemployment rising by 10,000 and wage growth slowing.

“When taken with the wide regional and gender differences in employment rates, and inflation rising, there is a real risk to the living standards of British people under this failing Tory Government.

“The country deserves better; the Government has no answers and no plan for working people and for the UK economy. Only a Labour Government will stand up for working people and build a fairer economy that works for all.”