Pedestrians pass illuminated skyscraper offices in the Canary Wharf business, financial and shopping district of London, UK. File photo: BLOOMBERG/SIMON DAWSON
“The labour market remains extremely tight,” said Kitty Ussher, chief economist at the Institute of Directors. “Having said that, there is a suggestion that things might be beginning to settle.” For now, the overall labour market continued to underscore strains that companies say are starting to weigh on their output. Unemployment held near the lowest since 1974, and vacancies remained at a near-record level.
With inflation on course to hit double digits, workers are using their bargaining power to seek matching pay increases. Public-sector employees are threatening strikes if their settlements fall short. The BOE is worried that a wage-price spiral could ensue that stops inflation falling back as forecast.