UK unemployment has unexpectedly risen again, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The number of jobless people across the country, rose by 25,000 to 1.85 million between during April and June.
The unemployment rate was 5.6 per cent, little changed compared with January to March 2015, but slightly lower than the previous year at 6.3 per cent.
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Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, remained optimistic despite the ONS figures indicating that earnings growth is slowing.
“Thanks to our long term economic plan we have already seen 2 million more people in jobs since 2010. On top of that, today’s figures show job vacancies at a near record high – evidence of the continued confidence of British businesses, and potential for further growth in the UK economy.
“Our one nation government is helping millions across the country to succeed and achieve their full potential. I was particularly pleased to see that wages are continuing to rise – meaning that hardworking people will see a real difference in their pay packets.”
Earnings including bonuses rose 2.4 per cent from a year ago, compared with 3.2 per cent growth in the March to May period. Excluding bonuses, pay was up 2.8 per cent in the April to June period, which is unchanged from the previous figure.
Chris Jones, Chief Executive of the City & Guilds Group, which provides training services to employers and employees, argued that better polices were needed to sustain the economy.
“The steady stream of good news has now run dry as unemployment has risen for the second consecutive month. With many predicting last month’s rise to be a blip, it’s concerning that a trend is developing.
“But 16 per cent of young people are still unemployed. Clearly we need to do a lot more to help set young people on the path to success. One of the best ways to do this is through using labour market information to provide high-quality, impartial careers advice that informs young people of the skills that are in demand. With thousands of students are due to pick up A-level results tomorrow, we need to make sure they don’t join the growing numbers of people searching for a job.”
