The number of people in work in Britain jumped again at the end of last year, underscoring how the labour market defied the broader economic slowdown in the run-up to December’s UK election.

British industry enjoyed solid growth in November, benefiting from a global upturn that has allowed the economy to outperform gloomy forecasts made after the Brexit vote, although the economy still faces an “underwhelming” 2018.

Sterling swung between gains and losses yesterday, whipsawed by headlines surrounding the status of the UK’s eventual exit from the EU.

Homes in the country cost 15% more than properties in urban areas, pricing many first-time buyers out of the market, figures showed today.