GBP/USD awaits UK jobs data as pound consolidates near 1.3150

GBP/USD is trading flat at 1.3150 ahead of Tuesday's UK labour market report, which includes August payrolls data and July unemployment and wage figures. The pound has maintained a cautious tone as UK labour conditions continue their gradual slowdown, with markets expecting the unemployment rate to edge higher from 4.2% to 4.3%. Average earnings growth is forecast to moderate to 5.1% from 5.4% previously, potentially supporting the Bank of England's case for maintaining its current policy stance. Sterling has found support at 1.3120 (Monday's low) while resistance sits at 1.3185 (Friday's high). The data release could provide fresh directional momentum for the pair, with stronger-than-expected wage growth likely to support GBP buyers. However, a sharp deterioration in employment conditions might trigger pound selling, especially with the Fed decision looming on Wednesday.