16/12/2009

Slowing Of UK Jobless Growth

Previous acceleration in the growth of the UK's jobless figure is continuing to ease, according to data released today.

Unemployment levels between August and October rose by 21,000, bringing the total figure to 2.49 million.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggested this is smallest increase since the March-to-May period in 2008.

However, 952,000 16-to-24 year olds are currently without work, the highest figure since record began in 1992.

The UK's overall unemployment rate is now estimated at 7.9%.

Unemployment benefit claimants reduced by 6,300 in November to 1.63 million.

This represented the first fall since February 2008.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper said she expected unemployment to continue to rise in the new year.

"So we are determined to do more, supporting a total of 400,000 extra youth opportunities over the next 18 months," she said.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May accused the Labour government of failing to act earlier.

"Young people want real help to find work but almost two years since the recession began and unemployment started to rise, all we've had from Labour is endless headline grabbing announcements with very little action to back them up," she said.

"We seriously risk losing a generation of talented young people unless we get a handle on this crisis."

(PR/BMcC)

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