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Responding to the labour market stats release by ONS on 21 July 2026, Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, said:
“The labour market remains relatively flat, although wider survey evidence suggests stabilisation or modest improvement in future months. The data, though, highlight the twin challenges Andy Burnham faces as he takes office. First, the Government is off track for its 80% employment rate ambition, needing another 2.1 million people in work, with a worrying one million young people not in education, employment or training. Second, real average weekly earnings are more than £260 lower than on pre-financial crisis trends, highlighting the deep and persistent cost of living challenges.”
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