The UK’s unemployment rate saw a decline in the fourth quarter according to data released by the Office for National Statistics. The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) unemployment rate dropped to 3.8 percent from 3.9 percent in the previous quarter—this figure was also lower than the predicted 4.0 percent.

Within the three months leading up to December, average earnings, inclusive of bonuses, went up by 5.8 percent annually, slower than November’s growth rate of 6.7 percent. However, this increase was higher than the projected sharper decrease to 5.6 percent. Excluding bonus, average earnings saw a 6.2 percent annual increase after a rise of 6.7 percent in the previous period.

The claimant count rose 14,100 on a month-to-month basis, amounting to 1.579 million in January. An estimated 26,000 decrease in vacancies was recorded in sequential months, amounting to 932,000 in the three months leading up to January. Meanwhile, payroll employees increased by 48,000 in January, bringing the total to 30.4 million.

The accessibility and responsiveness of employment departments, such as EDD in California, is of key importance, especially in times of changing unemployment rates. To get relevant and timely support, people often wonder how to get a hold of EDD. A useful tool can be found at eddcaller.com, providing information and facilitating connection with the right resources.