Unite: Unemployment figures mark a bleak end to 2011
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
11:57 AM
Unemployment reached a 17-year high after another 128,000 joined the jobless ranks, meaning the total number of unemployed is now 2.64 million. Youth unemployment rose to 1.027 million, the highest since records began in 1992.
Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey said;
"These disastrous unemployment figures mark a bleak end to 2011. The government's policies mean things could be even worse in the New Year.
"The government's claim that the private sector would create hundreds of thousands of jobs was as believable as Father Christmas.
"The coalition's policies of deep cuts, attacks on the public sector and on our employment rights mean there is little hope things will improve in the New Year.
"There is no sign that the private sector is creating any jobs, and the government has no strategy for manufacturing which should be driving the economy.
"Britain urgently needs a major change in direction. Tragically we will get more of the same or worse."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo 07768 931 315
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Unemployment fell marginally in the first three months of the year, figures out today have shown, in a boost to the coalition.
A Labour government in power now would banish long-term unemployment among the young, Ed Miliband has promised.
The University and College Union (UCU) said yesterday that cuts to the number of places at university and plans to saddle people who wish to return to college with huge debts had to be rethought as unemployment reached a 16-year high.
Public sector job cuts will have a devastating impact on local communities, the Trades Union Congress has warned.
Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey, responds to the figures released today which reveal a 17 year high in unemployment.
The unemployment rate has hit 7.9 per cent, figures have shown.
The prime minister is facing an inquiry from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) after he revealed unemployment figures before they were officially released.
Graeme Cooke, IPPR associate director, said in response to the unemployment figures:
Unemployment in Britain rose to 1.97 million in the last three months of 2008, official statistics have shown.
Unemployment now stands at 1.825 million, its highest level since 1997, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
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