Unemployment international comparisons: Economic indicators
Unemployment data tells us about the strength of the labour market. Find the latest data on unemployment in several major world economies.

A Westminster Hall debate on skills devolution in England is scheduled for Tuesday 23 January 2018 at 9:30am. The Member initiating the debate is Catherine West
Skills devolution in England (196 KB , PDF)
A number of the devolution deals negotiated between the Government and local areas between 2014 and 2017 included elements of devolution of skills policy. These included transferring the Adult Education Budget and the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (which is now closed) to mayoral combined authorities. Additional details about this process can be found in the Library briefing paper Devolution to local government in England.
There have been calls for local areas to have some powers over apprenticeship provision, including the use of unspent funds generated by the apprenticeship levy. The levy was introduced in April 2017, along with other major reforms to the apprenticeship funding system in England in May 2017. A detailed explanation is provided in the Library’s briefing paper on Apprenticeships policy in England: 2017.
Skills devolution in England (196 KB , PDF)
Unemployment data tells us about the strength of the labour market. Find the latest data on unemployment in several major world economies.
This briefing looks at trends in the UK National Minimum Wage, minimum Wage jobs and how the UK compares internationally.
The second reading of the Employment Rights Bill 2024-25 took place on 21 October 2024. This briefing covers the bill's progress from second reading through to the end of its committee stage.