National employment rate rises to 29.23 million
Employment levels in the UK have fallen by 0.1% over the last quarter, according to a report published today by Office of National Statistics. The decrease equates to 143,000 more people over the age of 16 who have not been able to find employment between December 2010 to February 2011. There has been an increase in the number of people in full-time employment as 140, 000 more people have gained full-time positions on the quarter. During the last six months self-employment reached a record high of 4.03 million.
The Employment Minister, Chris Grayling MP said:
“These figures are another step in the right direct direction, it’s good news to see a rise in the number of full time jobs in the private sector and the fall in unemployment is welcome. It is also reassuring to see a fall in the number of young people not in full time education who are unemployed.
“However, there are challenges ahead and our priority is to continue to support the economy, by reducing the deficit and putting in place measures to encourage growth in the private sector.”
However, the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance has increased by 700 between February and March, with 1.45 million Britons applying for support. The number of women claiming benefit continues its nine-month rise as there was an increase of 5,100 women claiming JSA, whereas the number of male claimants fell by 4,400.
Kuki Taylor
Research and Communications Officer
Source:
Published on 13th April 2011
