Jon Boys, labour market economist, at the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said:
“Today’s statistics will certainly prompt more speculation that the labour market has reached its high-water mark.
“Employment numbers may be down on the last period, but it’s worth repeating that they remain just below record levels.
“Earnings growth have also dipped this month, yet it’s continuing to beat inflation across a broad spectrum of industries. The labour market is still in good health.”
