The weakening labor market has been a trend for several years. While cyclical factors explain part of the slowdown, long-standing challenges -- from rising labor costs to tighter regulation and persistent skills mismatch -- continue to weigh on Britain's labor market. by Xinhua writer Zhang YadongLONDON, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Britain's labor market continues to cool as wage growth and labor demand show signs of slowdown. The weakening labor market has been a trend for several years. While cyclical factors explain part of the slowdown, long-standing challenges -- from rising labor costs to tighter regulation and persistent skills mismatch -- continue to weigh on Britain's labor market.