14/05/2014

Unemployment Rate Falls To A New 5-Year Low - ONS

Employment has seen the largest quarterly rise since records began over 40 years ago and the unemployment rate has fallen again to a new 5-year low, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The number of people in a job rose 283,000 in the last 3 months – the largest quarterly increase in 43 years. Employment increased by 722,000 on the year – almost the population of Leeds – meaning a record 30.43 million people are in work. Creating jobs and supporting enterprise as the economy grows are central to the government’s long-term plan to help hardworking people secure their future.

The number of unemployed young people fell by 48,000 in the last 3 months, and has been falling now for the last 8 months. Youth unemployment excluding those in full-time education is now at its lowest level since 2008.

Minister for Employment Esther McVey said: "As the recovery takes hold, more people are able to get a job or set up their own business and become the employers of tomorrow. Each and every person who has made a new start or hired someone new is helping to make Britain a more prosperous and confident place to be.

"We will continue to support those in and out of work who want to get on and fulfil their ambitions for a more secure future."

(CVS/CD)

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