Labour market is in pretty good shape, but signs of cooling could be a headache for the chancellor

• UK unemployment rises as pay growth slows
• Business live – latest updates

For the past few years only cursory attention has been paid to the unemployment figures because the jobless rate has been low and there have been plenty of unfilled vacancies for those seeking work. But, thanks to a slowing economy and decisions made by Rachel Reeves in last month’s budget, that could be about to change.

For the next few months every release on the state of the labour market will be scrutinised to see what impact two announcements made by Reeves last month are having on jobs.