The FTSE 100 has made an uncertain start after the UK unemployment rate rose in the first quarter of the year as the impact of higher national insurance costs kicked in.
The blue chip index opened 18 points lower, but was just a few points down at 8,600 an hour into trade.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in the three months to March from 4.4% a month earlier. Average weekly earnings grew 5.5%, down from 5.6%.
In company news, Marston’s PLC (LSE:MARS) has reported 20% growth in profits in the first half of its financial year, while revenues were flat.
Wickes Group PLC (LSE:WIX) has provided a trading update for the first 17 weeks of 2025, showing revenue up 6.9% year on year, driven by sales volume growth.
Shares in Revolution Beauty Group PLC (AIM:REVB) have plunged around 40% following a full-year trading update revealing a 26% drop in revenue and that management is reviewing funding options.