http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6947423.stm
The number of people out of work in the UK fell in the three months to June, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics said unemployment fell by 45,000 over the quarter to 1.65 million, continuing a downward trend.
But fears that a strong labour market will lead to wage demands and push up inflation were allayed by weak average earnings growth.
The numbers reinforced the view that interest rates could remain at 5.75%.
Average earnings in the UK, including bonuses, increased by 3.3% over the three-month period, the slowest rate in four years.
News of the muted pay pressure follows Tuesday's unexpected fall in consumer price inflation to below the government's key 2% level.
This is an encouraging sign that the Bank of England's rate-setting body will not rush into pushing interest rates up to 6%, analysts say.
Unemployment falling like a stone, inflation falling, has New Labour created the perfect world? Is Gordon actually a living god?
The number of people out of work in the UK fell in the three months to June, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics said unemployment fell by 45,000 over the quarter to 1.65 million, continuing a downward trend.
But fears that a strong labour market will lead to wage demands and push up inflation were allayed by weak average earnings growth.
The numbers reinforced the view that interest rates could remain at 5.75%.
Average earnings in the UK, including bonuses, increased by 3.3% over the three-month period, the slowest rate in four years.
News of the muted pay pressure follows Tuesday's unexpected fall in consumer price inflation to below the government's key 2% level.
This is an encouraging sign that the Bank of England's rate-setting body will not rush into pushing interest rates up to 6%, analysts say.
Unemployment falling like a stone, inflation falling, has New Labour created the perfect world? Is Gordon actually a living god?
Comment