• Prior -34.6k
  • Feb ILO unemployment rate 6.9% vs 7.1% exp. Prior 7.2%. Revised to 7.1%
  • Feb Average weekly earnings 1.7% vs 1.8% exp (3 month avg y/y). Prior 1.4%.
  • Average earnings ex bonus 1.4% vs 1.7% exp. Prior 1.3%. Revised to 1.2%

Pretty much bang on expectations on the claimant count but a sizable drop in the unemployment rate to a 5 year low and below the BOE forward guidance threshold. Wages are picking up but they’re not running away.

Cable popped to 1.6815 from 1.6773

UK unemployment rate and claimant count 16 04 2014