14th August 2008
Unemployment figures escalated in July, with over 20,000 more people claiming benefits than in June.
The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), represent the greatest increase in claimants since the last recession in 1992, and the sixth consecutive rise in the monthly figure.
There were 864,700 claiming unemployment benefits at the end of July, and total unemployment, including those not eligible for benefit, is now 15,000 higher than this time last year.
In total 1.67 million people are jobless - 5.4% of the working age population.
David Kern, economic advisor to the British Chambers of Commerce, said that the figures confirmed the worsening economic conditions.
He said: "Unemployment is up, on both measures, and vacancies are down across most sectors.
"At the same time the figures show falls in average earnings growth, both including and excluding bonuses."
More out of work as economy worsens
The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), represent the greatest increase in claimants since the last recession in 1992, and the sixth consecutive rise in the monthly figure.
There were 864,700 claiming unemployment benefits at the end of July, and total unemployment, including those not eligible for benefit, is now 15,000 higher than this time last year.
In total 1.67 million people are jobless - 5.4% of the working age population.
David Kern, economic advisor to the British Chambers of Commerce, said that the figures confirmed the worsening economic conditions.
He said: "Unemployment is up, on both measures, and vacancies are down across most sectors.
"At the same time the figures show falls in average earnings growth, both including and excluding bonuses."
- 5th January 2009 Businesses urged to make redundancies 'last resort'
- 5th January 2009 'Cut interest rate to 1%' says business group
- 2nd January 2009 Gloomier forecast from business group
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