Toby Fowlston, chief executive of recruitment company Robert Walters, told the BBC there was currently a “lack of confidence” in hiring.
He said this was due to a number of reasons, including the forthcoming Budget, the proposals for workers’ rights in the Employment Rights Bill and the increase in the minimum wage.
The ONS said the rate of people considered “economically inactive” – defined as those aged between 16 to 64 years old not in work or looking for a job – edged lower to 21.8%.
The number of job vacancies also decreased, falling to 841,000 in the July to September period.
“Vacancies have fallen once more, with most industries seeing a fall on the quarter,” said David Freeman of the ONS.
“However, the total still remains a little above its pre-pandemic level.”