According to the ONS (May 2015) the &#x27;employment rate&#x27; was 73.5%<p>However, the &#x27;unemployment rate&#x27; was 5.5%<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.ons.gov.uk&#x2F;ons&#x2F;rel&#x2F;lms&#x2F;labour-market-statistics&#x2F;may-2015&#x2F;statistical-bulletin.html" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.ons.gov.uk&#x2F;ons&#x2F;rel&#x2F;lms&#x2F;labour-market-statistics&#x2F;m...</a><p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.bbc.co.uk&#x2F;news&#x2F;10604117" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.bbc.co.uk&#x2F;news&#x2F;10604117</a><p>* A person is classed as unemployed if not only out of work, but also actively looking for work and available to start work within a fortnight.<p>* The unemployment figure is higher than the claimant count as many job seekers do not or cannot claim JSA (Job Seekers Allowance)