UK unemployment on the rise
Wednesday, 14 May 2008 10:49
Unemployment is worst in the north-east
UK unemployment is on the rise and the number of people claiming jobseekers allowance is gathering pace, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today.
UK unemployment rose by 14,000 to 1.61 million in the three months leading up to March. Unemployment was highest in the north-east, while the south-west had the lowest levels with only 3.6 per cent unemployment.
The number of people on jobseekers allowance hit 806,300 last month after a climb of 7,200.
The figures suggest global financial trends are finally beginning to hit the UK, and coincide with a signs of a slowdown in the UK economy.
Economic analysts are concerned at the rise in inflation, due in no small part to rising food and fuel costs.