U.K. unemployment rate declines to 5.3% in the July to September quarter

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its labour market data on Wednesday. The U.K. unemployment rate fell to 5.3% in the July to September quarter from 5.4% in the June to August quarter. It was the lowest reading since the second quarter of 2008.

Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 5.4%.

"These figures continue the recent strengthening trend in the labour market, with a new record high in the employment rate and the unemployment rate still at its lowest since spring 2008. Earnings continue to grow, albeit the rate for regular pay has fallen back a little from recent months," ONS labour market statistician, Nick Palmer said.

The claimant count rose by 3,300 people in October, beating expectations for a rise by 1,500, after an increase of 500 people in September. September's figure was revised down from 4,600.

U.K. unemployment in the July to September period dropped by 13,000 to 1.5 million from the previous quarter.

Average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, climbed by 2.5% in the July to September quarter, missing expectations for a 2.7% rise, after a 2.8% gain in the June to August quarter.

Average weekly earnings, including bonuses, rose by 3.0% in the July to September quarter, missing expectations for a gain of 3.2%, after a 3.0% increase in the June to August quarter.

The Bank of England monitors closely the wages growth it considers when to start hiking its interest rate.