UK wage growth unexpectedly accelerated on April 18, adding to inflationary pressures that have worried the Bank of England.
Average UK earnings before bonuses rose 6.6% year-on-year in the three months to February, the same pace as in the previous quarter, which was also revised upwards.
Economists had expected UK wage growth to slow to 6.2%.
Policymakers, led by Bank of England Governor Bailey, had also expected wage growth to cool and ease inflation.