The new ONS Labour Market Statistics are out, and again it’s good news on the employment rate (all charts via the ONS):
Notably, this is a return to the record high rates of employment previously seen in late 1974 and late 2004/early 2005.
It’s encouraging to note that the number of job vacancies continues to rise, too:
The bad news, though, continues to lurk in the gap between wage increases and price inflation:
This all links back to Lord Ashcroft’s finding in his latest poll: while people know the economy is improving, they are yet to fully feel a personal benefit as a result.
Politically, offering people a plan that is good for the nation is all well and good – but offering them a plan which is good for them and their families is more compelling. The Government still has to recouple national growth and personal circumstances.