U.K. unemployment rate remains unchanged at 5.1% in the January to March quarter

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its labour market data on Wednesday. The U.K. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.1% in the January to March quarter, in line with expectations.

The claimant count fell by 2,400 people in April, beating expectations for a rise by 4,300, after an increase of 14,300 people in March. March's figure was revised up from a 6,700 increase.

U.K. unemployment in the January to March period was 1.69 million, little changed compared with October to December 2015.

The employment rate was 74.2% in the January to March quarter. It was the highest reading since 1971.

Average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, climbed by 2.1% in the January to March quarter, missing expectations for a 2.3% rise, after a 2.2% gain in the December to February quarter.

Average weekly earnings, including bonuses, rose by 2.0% in the January to March quarter, exceeding expectations for a 1.7% gain, after a 1.9% increase in the December to February quarter. The previous quarter's figure was revised up from a 1.7% rise.

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