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China vs UK Unemployment
United Kingdom moved above China in 2018. In 1991 China stood at roughly 28% of United Kingdom’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 97%, and the pair was closest in 2017 (99%).
| Year | China | United Kingdom | UK as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 8.55% | 2.37% | 28% |
| 1970 | 8.55% | 2.37% | 28% |
| 1980 | 8.55% | 2.37% | 28% |
| 1990 | 8.55% | 2.37% | 28% |
| 2000 | 5.56% | 3.26% | 59% |
| 2010 | 7.97% | 4.53% | 57% |
| 2020 | 4.47% | 5% | 112% |
| 2025 | 4.75% | 4.62% | 97% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom move above China in Unemployment?
In 2018. United Kingdom’s published Unemployment rose above China’s that year.
How do China and United Kingdom compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 4.75% against 4.62% — the trailing economy stands at about 97% of the leader.
Are these Unemployment figures nominal or adjusted?
The series is a share expressed in % of total labor force, exactly as the World Bank publishes it; movements are percentage points, not percent.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: