The total U.K. unemployment figure is 7.7% and during the past week new claims for unemployment benefits fell by more than in any week since 1997. The total initial claims fell by 41,700 and may reinforce speculation that the Bank of England may begin raising interest-rates faster than previously forecasted. The U.K.?s unemployment is higher than the U.S.?s rate, but significantly lower than the Eurozone?s composite rate. As unemployment falls, payrolls rise by approximately 155,000. Some economists warn that these positive numbers may mask increased wage pressure in the market.
See "U.K. Jobless Claims Drop by Most Since 1997", Scott Hamilton, Bloomberg News, October 15, 2013