Rising unemployment points to worrying signs for UK economy

Continuing levels of inactivity due to ill-health and caring responsibilities suggest all is not well

• UK unemployment rate leaps to 4.2% amid fears of job cuts

The government has patted itself on the back in recent years for presiding over a period of low unemployment, but underneath the latest headline figures there are concerning trends.

First among the worrying signs is an increase in the number of working age people leaving the labour market because of ill-health, who need to take on caring responsibilities or retire early.