Claimant Count Rate

The Claimant Count Rate released by the UK Office for National Statistics is a monthly measure of the number of benefit claimants as a percentage of the working population excluding homemakers and those on training schemes. It indicates the health of the UK labor market. If the rate rises, it indicates a greater share of the populace is claiming benefits which suggests a lack of expansion within the UK labor market. A fall in the rate can indicate economic expansion and potential inflationary pressures. Generally, a decrease of the figure is seen as bullish for the Pound Sterling (GBP), while an increase is seen as bearish.