The UK has the highest rate of employment of the G7 countries, according to figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The figures show the UK has an employment rate of 72.6%, ahead of Canada, the US, Japan, France, Germany and Italy. It is the first time in the last 50 years that the UK has had the highest employment rate in the G7.

The report highlights the importance of “the role of effective re-employment services” and of “removing existing barriers to labour force participation.”