ONS figures show UK unemployment continues to rise with “record number” of redundancies

Unemployment across the country is continuing to increase as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis according to new figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported a “large increase” in the unemployment rate from July to September 2020.

The ONS reported a nationwide unemployment rate of 4.8 per cent - up 0.7 per cent from the previous quarter.

In addition, the ONS has stated that a “record number” of redundancies have impacted the employment rate, which saw the number of people in work fall by 247,000.

Companies across the country made workers redundant ahead of the anticipated end of the furlough scheme, which was originally scheduled to finish in October but has now been extended until March 31.

In terms of industries, the largest annual decreases were seen in accommodation and food services (down 261,000 on the year to 1.56 million) and manufacturing (down 230,000 on the year to 2.77 million).