Key economic data released ahead of Budget announcement

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 12:44 · Archive

The UK will receive unemployment, inflation and borrowing figures before the Chancellor's Budget speech on October 28.

Fresh economic data will be released over the coming fortnight before Chancellor John Healey delivers the Budget on October 28, following Thursday's better-than-expected GDP figures.

Unemployment levels have stabilised in recent months, with the rate plateauing at 4.9%, according to the Office for National Statistics. The rate reached 5.2% in early 2026 before falling back slightly. Trends in the figures suggest the unemployment rate is at a higher level than when Labour came to power in July 2024, while the number of vacancies has fallen, as has annual growth in earnings. New figures will also include updates on economic inactivity, measuring people of working age not in employment and not currently looking for work.

Consumer inflation eased to 2.6% in June before accelerating to 2.9% in July and 3.1% in August. New figures are likely to show another jump in September, meaning the rate will have increased three months in a row. Data on the UK jobs market has been unreliable for several years due to issues with the size of the Office for National Statistics survey.

How it is being reported

• Key economic data in the countdown to the BudgetFresh estimates of inflation, unemployment and borrowing will be announced in coming days.Independent Business · 15 Oct, 12:10
• Key economic data in the countdown to the BudgetFresh estimates of inflation, unemployment and borrowing will be announced in coming days.Evening Standard · 15 Oct, 12:10

In this story: Office for National Statistics · John Healey · Labour · United Kingdom

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