Investing.com - The jobless rate in the UK inched up from its lowest level in more than four decades in December, while the average earnings index increased in line with expectations, official data showed on Wednesday.
The Office for National Statistics said that the rate of unemployment rose to 4.4% in the three months to December, up from 4.3%. Analysts expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged.
The claimant count fell by a seasonally adjusted 7,200 in January, compared to expectations for a gain of 2,300 people. That follows an increase of 6,200 a month earlier.
Meanwhile, the average earnings index, including bonuses, rose by a seasonally adjusted 2.5% in the three months to December, matching forecasts and unchaged from the preceding three-month period.
Excluding bonuses, wages rose by 2.5%, above expectations for 2.4% and following a 2.3% increase in the three months to November.
The data may undermine the case for the Bank of England to raise its benchmark interest rate in the months ahead.