UK Unemployment Nears The Two Million Mark

UK unemployment has risen to figures close to two million between October and December, according to new figures released.

The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics showed that unemployment is now at 1.97 million, the highest level since 1997, after Labour came into power.

The rate of those who are jobless is 6.3 per cent - following a list of high-profile lay-offs and company closures as the credit crunch tightens its grip on the British economy.

The number of unemployed men increased by 106,000 in the three months to December to 1.18 million, while 790,000 women were out of work, a rise of 40,000.

Last month, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s allowance rose to a ten-year high, rising by 73,800 to 1.23 million.

Meanwhile, around 438,100 more people signed up for benefits last year.

Employment Minister, Tony McNulty said: "Today's figures are disappointing but we will not stop giving people help and support to get back into work as quickly as we can. The pledge today by NEP members is another demonstration of how government and business working together can make a difference."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown is today meeting with business leaders to discuss how to deal with the unemployment crisis.

Executives from major companies like Sainsbury's, the NHS, the Royal Mail, Travelodge and National Express are expected to attend Downing Street for the first meeting of the national Employment Partnership (NEP).

During the meeting, the Government is to urged members to pledge to help by advertising non-specialist vacancies through Jobcentre Plus, ill more of the jobs they create through the already successful Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs) and other new measures and promote the development of the skills Britain needs for the recovery.

The Government also set out an aim to get an additional 200,000 people into work through the LEP scheme over the next year.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell added: "We know times are tough and we need to continue doing all we can to support people who lose their jobs find another as quickly as possible, preventing the long term unemployment which has so scarred communities in the past from taking root."

(JM/BMcC)