Wage rate slows as unemployment rises – what it means for YOUR wallet

AVERAGE earnings have slowed in a hit for workers, new data shows.

Average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, was 5.6% in January to March, official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.

New figures reveal how much earnings and unemployment have fallen

Annual growth in total earnings including bonuses was 5.5%.

When adjusted for inflation, annual wage growth in real terms was 2.6% for both regular pay and total pay in January to March 2025.