The European market session was focused on a UK jobs report which saw the unemployment rate rise 3.9% in the three months to March.
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the unemployment rate rose to 3.9%, compared to expectations to remain at 3.8% as recorded the previous month.
In addition, the number of unemployment claims unexpectedly increased by 46,700 in April, following the increase of 28,200 recorded in March.
Following the readings recorded, it shows signs that the strength of the labor market is diminishing.
However, wage growth, which is the focus of the Bank of England (BOE) to set interest rates, is seen to remain strong.
This is reflected in data on average weekly earnings excluding bonuses, which rose to 6.7% in the three months to March, compared with 6.6% previously and 6.8% expected.
Meanwhile. measures including bonuses were recorded to remain high at 5.8% from the expected 5.1% in the period.
Initial currency reactions saw the pound slip against the US dollar and euro before rebounding shortly afterwards.
