Partner Article

Unemployment rises to 2.68 million

Unemployment across the UK rose by 118,000 in the three months leading up to November.

The Office for National Statistics has revealed levels of unemployment topped 2.68 million, and the unemployment rate was 8.4% of the economically active population.

It is the highest rate since 1995, and the worst hit region was the North East at 12%, whereas the South East presented the lowest unemployment at 6.4%.

Figures show there were 9.29 million economically inactive people aged from 16 to 64, down 61,000 on the quarter.

The number of young jobless continued to rise to 1.043 million, and showed 22% of 16-24 year-olds were out of work.

North East Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, James Ramsbotham said: “It can be disheartening to see unemployment rise every time the figures are published.

“Although not unexpected, today’s news that it has once again risen follows an increasingly worrying trend.

“The Government must take radical action and move quickly to increase incentives and reduce red tape to stimulate private sector employment as it will be some time before the North East fully recovers from the impact of public sector cuts.

“There are signs, however, that the private sector is starting to pick up the slack. Our export performance continues to outstrip the rest of the country and we remain the only region with a positive balance of trade mainly thanks to the region’s excellent manufacturing sector, which continues to provide the cornerstone of the North East economy.”

Carmen Watson, Managing Director of Pertemps Recruitment Partnership, commented: “Although there has been a boom in temporary employment over Christmas, this is the time when the greatest challenge will be presented to the job market as many industries enter a quieter period.

“Retail in particular has taken a battering at the start of the year with the failure of high street stores bringing about job losses.

“The key step to reviving the employment picture is focussing on enhancing skills and considering roles in industries where there is still a call for talented, hard working people.

“This will require a greater deal of flexibility on the part of applicants and an amenable, yet determined attitude.

“Jobs are still out there but in many situations they may be in areas you might not have thought of.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .