Australia June Jobs Up 2,000 with Full-Time Decline; UK May Employment Rises 134,000, Unemployment 4.7%, Earnings Grow 5%

Australia's employment data for June showed a modest increase of 2,000 jobs, falling short of the estimated 20,000 gain and marking a reversal from the previous month's decline of 2,500 jobs. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, above the forecasted 4.1% and the prior 4.1%. Full-time employment decreased by 38,200 positions compared to a previous increase of 38,700, while part-time employment rose by 40,200 after a prior decline of 41,100. The participation rate edged up to 67.1%, slightly exceeding the expected 67.0%. Meanwhile, UK labor market figures for May indicated an employment increase of 134,000 over three months, surpassing the estimate of 46,000 and the prior 89,000. The UK unemployment rate rose to 4.7%, above the expected 4.6% and previous 4.6%. Average weekly earnings, including bonuses, grew by 5.0% year-over-year, matching expectations but down from the prior 5.3%. Excluding bonuses, earnings also increased by 5.0%, slightly above the forecasted 4.9% but below the previous 5.2%. The UK claimant count increased by 25,900 in June, below the estimated 33,100 but above the prior 17,900.