UK Unemployment Rate Holds at 6% as David Cameron's 'Jobs Miracle' Stalls

The Prime Minister's so called "jobs miracle" has stalled after the UK's unemployment rate held at 6% in the three months to September, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The figures mean that the jobless rate was unchanged from 6% in the three months to August.

But the research body explained that there were 115,000 fewer unemployed people when compared to the three months to June and 529,000 less when compared to last year.

The ONS also revealed that wages increased at a faster rate than expected as average weekly earnings (excluding bonuses) grew at a rate of 1.3% in the year to September, against 1.2% Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation over the same period.

Weekly wages for employees in UK were £455 (€583, $725) before tax and other deductions from pay.

"As the UK economy continues to grow and create new jobs, it's crucial that everyone benefits from its success," said Ian Burke, the director of totaljobs.com.

"Although unemployment continues to fall, many employers struggle to fill roles because some jobseekers do not have the right skills.

"It's vital that, as we lead into the general election next year, both government and employers work together to ensure that employees in the workplace and new entrants into the labour market have the skills demanded by today's economy."

The figures mean that there were 22.52 million people working full-time in the UK in the three months to September – 589,000 more than for a year earlier.

In addition, the ONS said that there were 8.27 million people working part-time.

But the research body explained that there were 1.96 million unemployed people in the UK over the same period.

The country's youth unemployment rate (relating to 16 to 24-year-olds) increased from 16% to 16.2% in the three months to September.

The ONS said that there were 737,000 young people out of work over the period.