Economy, Skills, The Benefit System, Welfare to Work

Chris Grayling comments on new unemployment figures

Chris Grayling comments on new unemployment figures

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest Labour Market Statistics which show that UK unemployment has jumped in the third quarter to 2.62 million and that unemployment among young people has reached above 1 million for the first time since 1992.  This makes the jobless rate in the 16-24 age group a record high of 21.9 per cent.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling said that the figures are a reflection of the impact the economic problems in the Eurozone and slower growth in the wider global economy are having on the UK.

“These figures show just how much our economy is being affected by the crisis in the Eurozone. Our European partners must take urgent action to stabilise the position.

Today at a meeting with business leaders, Chris Grayling discussed the current unemployment challenge and explored possible ways to open up the jobs market to young people.

Last month the Government announced that Sector-Based Work Academies are now up and running across the country and will offer a programme combining real training, work experience and a guaranteed interview which will give young people another platform to get into a job. In total there will be around 150,000 work experience or sector-based work academy places over the next two years to help young people.

The Work Programme is up and running and provides jobseekers with help to get back into sustained employment. Private and voluntary sector organisations are investing £581m upfront in the biggest welfare to work programme this country has ever seen to provide tailored support built around the needs of individuals. Organisations will be paid by results and allowed to develop support that really addresses the needs of jobseekers.

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Click here for links to the ONS Labour Market publications

 

Amanda Frewin

Research & Project Support

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