Economic inactivity steady but unemployment rising: ONS

Employment impact on protection and health

Cameron Roberts
clock • 2 min read

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released its January 2025 employment statistics, which show economic inactivity has remained steady but employment figures are a cause for concern.

The economic inactivity rate as of November 2024 stood at 21.6%, this represents a 0.2 percentage point (pp) drop from the previous quarter but is still 1.3pp above pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment saw more fluctuation, up 0.4pp in November 2024 to 4.4%. The rise is at a similar level since the pandemic, where it has risen 0.5pp. Julia Turney, head of platform and benefits, Barnett Waddingham, said: "The latest unemployment figures are a sobering reminder that we still face a significant uphill climb." Whilst unemployment and economic inactivity are on the rise, November 2024 saw ...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Group Protection

Budget 26: Government to remove tax rule on lump sum death benefits

Budget 26: Government to remove tax rule on lump sum death benefits

Applies to payments made on or after 28 October 2026

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 28 October 2026 • 1 min read
Two thirds of adults use AI to help with mental health

Two thirds of adults use AI to help with mental health

AXA Global Healthcare report

Jaskeet Briah
clock 16 October 2026 • 2 min read
KareHero joins GRiD

KareHero joins GRiD

Focus on adult care support

Jaskeet Briah
clock 13 October 2026 • 1 min read