By Richard Johnstone | 15 May 2013
UK unemployment rose by 15,000 in the three months to the end of March to stand at 2.52 million, the Office for National Statistics revealed today.
Around 7.8% of the economically active population are now out of work but there are 92,000 fewer jobless people than in the same period in 2012.
Overall, the number of people in employment fell by 43,000 to 29.7 million in the quarter. This decrease was mainly due to a 42,000 drop in the number of self-employed people, according to Labour Market Statistics
Of those unemployed, almost half, 47%, had been out of work for six months or less while 35% had been looking for work for more than six months, but less than two years. The remainder, 18%, had been looking for work for more than 24 months.
Responding to the figures, employment minister Mark Hoban said that, over the past year, the number of people in work was up by more than 430,000.
Although the overall jobless rise was ‘disappointing’, he said, there had been progress, with more women in work and a fall in youth unemployment, which over the three-month period was down by 17,000.
He added: ‘Whilst there has been a disappointing increase in the headline rate of unemployment, we shouldn’t forget the progress we are making. We are not complacent. To win the global race we need to do all that we can to help people achieve their aspiration to look after themselves and their families.’
However, trade union Unison said government spending cuts were harming the economy and costing jobs. It called on ministers to alter their plans following today’s figures.
General secretary Dave Prentis said: ‘Millions are currently suffering the misery of unemployment whilst facing a tough jobs market. Women and young people continue to be incredibly hard hit by the recession.
‘Clearly austerity is not working but the government just keeps on cutting. What families and our economy need is a plan for growth and jobs. We are calling on the government to take action before it is too late.’
The CBI business group said the increase in unemployment was ‘unsurprising’ given the challenging economic conditions at the end of last year.
However, director for employment and skills Neil Carberry added that economic conditions seemed to be improving.
‘With these figures showing the highest number of vacancies since 2008, this reflects businesses’ more positive view of the year ahead,’ he added.
