The Conservative Party has hit out at the Labour “zombie government” over the latest unemployment figures, describing them as evidence of “economic incompetence.”
Official statistics released on Tuesday show that the UK’s unemployment rate rose to 5.2% in the three months to December, marking a near five-year high. This is the highest rate recorded since January 2021 and the strongest reading outside the pandemic period since autumn 2015.
Conservatives warned that Labour’s policies are failing to protect jobs, particularly for younger workers. “This is the predictable result of bad decisions and economic mismanagement,” said a spokesperson for the party.
The figures highlight particular strain in sectors such as retail and hospitality, where job losses and hiring slowdowns have been linked to rising national insurance contributions and above-inflation increases in the minimum wage.
Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said: “These figures show the impact of a ‘zombie government’ with no plan for growth.
Labour’s Jobs Tax, economic uncertainty and their red tape Employment Rights Bill are holding back hiring, creating a jobless generation.
Only the Conservatives will cut red tape, lower taxes and build a Stronger Economy to get Britain Working Again.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately added, “Young people are taking the hardest hit. Entry-level roles are the first to disappear under Labour’s tax hikes. By making hiring more expensive and risky, Labour are ensuring school leavers and graduates struggle to get a foot in the door.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said, “Today’s figures show there are 381,000 more people in work since the start of 2025, but we know there is more to do to get people into jobs.
Our £1.5 billion drive to tackle youth unemployment is a key priority and this month we announced that we’ll make it easier for young people to find and secure an apprenticeship, which comes on top of our investment to create 50,000 new apprenticeships.”
Economic analysts have warned that continued weakness in the labour market could further slow growth and increase pressure on households already facing high living costs.
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