21/01/2010

Caution Over Unemployment Dip

An unprecedented fall in UK unemployment could be reversed before the summer, Government ministers have warned.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics yesterday, showed a 7,000 drop in joblessness, a 15,000 drop in the claimant count and a 7,600 drop in the youth claimant count last month.

The employment level fell by less than in previous quarters and the number of vacancies increased.

A significant increase in the number of full time students has increased the inactivity figures.

These figures mean that unemployment is 450,000 lower than predicted at the time of the Budget.

The Government said this reflects the £5bn extra investment in expanding education and training, supporting jobs and helping the unemployed back to work.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper, said: "The jobs market is still tough for a lot of people, but the drop in unemployment and youth unemployment is very welcome.

"However we know that things will still be difficult and unemployment is still likely to rise over the next few months. That is why we are determined to keep increasing the help and support to get people into jobs and training."

Minster for Employment Jim Knight, said: "These figures show the largest number of people coming off unemployment benefit for 15 years which is a sign that our £5bn investment to get people back to work is having an impact.

"This is in addition to more than 400,000 people who have been helped into jobs through the Job Centres' Local Employment Partnerships."

(PR/GK)

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