UK unemployment rises in first quarter

clock

The UK's employment rate fell 0.3% between the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010, according to labour market figures released today by the Office for National Statistics.

The employment rate was 72% in the first quarter, with 28.83m in work. The unemployment rate was 8%, with 2.51m jobless. This is a rise of 0.2% quarter on quarter. The claimant count of people claiming Jobseekers' allowance was 1.52m, a fall of 27,100, beating consensus expectations of a 20,000 fall. The ONS says the claimant count has fallen for five out of the last six months. Vicky Redwood, a senior UK economist at Capital Economics, says the data look weaker than the headline falls in the claimant count suggest. "These falls just seem to reflect people failing to sign on," she ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Why investors 'can't outrun' slow-moving demographics

Why investors 'can't outrun' slow-moving demographics

'Demographic change is a key megatrend'

Darius McDermott
clock 07 March 2024 • 5 min read
Spring Budget 24: Ten key takeaways from Jeremy Hunt's speech

Spring Budget 24: Ten key takeaways from Jeremy Hunt's speech

British ISA, Office for Budget Responsibility, tax cuts

Valeria Martinez
clock 07 March 2024 • 4 min read
Spring Budget 24: Chancellor unveils long-term UK growth plan

Spring Budget 24: Chancellor unveils long-term UK growth plan

Includes British ISA launch and further NI cut

clock 06 March 2024 • 1 min read