INSTANT VIEW - Claimant count rises for 3rd straight month

LONDON (Reuters) - The number of Britons claiming jobless benefits rose for the third straight month in April, official data showed on Wednesday, suggesting a slowing economy is starting to hit the job market.

Average earnings picked up, with the single month rate for March rising at its fastest pace since January 2007.

The figures add to the dilemma facing Bank of England policymakers as they grapple with weakening economic growth and rising inflationary pressures.

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KEY FIGURES FROM UK LABOUR MARKET STATISTICS

MAR FEB FCAST

Average earnings 3mth yy (pct) 4.0 3.7 3.7

APR MAR FCAST

Claimant count (monthly change) 7,200 3,600 UNCH