UK Unemployment Rises Again

UK Unemployment has risen again, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics.

The number of people unemployed in the UK now stands at 2,470,000. This is an increase of 88,000 since August.

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in September had risen to 1,630,000 – an increase of 21,000.

We are now experiencing the highest level of benefit claimants since 1997.

The number of people aged 16 – 24 who are unemployed has also continued to rise. This figure will reach one million by next month.

Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“Although unemployment isn’t as high today as many feared it would be at the time of the Budget, it remains a serious problem, which is why we must keep increasing support and advice to get people back into jobs,”