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Rise in level of UK unemployment UK unemployment at six-year high
(40 minutes later)
Unemployment rose by 93,000 between May and July to 1.7 million, its biggest level since 2000, figures have shown. Unemployment rose by 93,000 between May and July to 1.7 million, its highest level since 2000, figures have shown.
Yet at the same time, the Office for National Statistics said the number of people claiming unemployment benefit fell in August by 3,900 to 950,100. Yet the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also said that the number of people claiming unemployment benefit fell in August by 3,900 to 950,100.
The latest figures come a day after Tony Blair appeared to pre-empt their release, saying they should show a "very welcome" fall in unemployment.The latest figures come a day after Tony Blair appeared to pre-empt their release, saying they should show a "very welcome" fall in unemployment.
Mr Blair was attacked for commenting on the figures before their release. The ONS said it was now investigating whether Mr Blair had broken protocol.
Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats accused him of breaking protocol by trailing official figures in advance. Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats accused the Prime Minister of abusing his position and trailing official figures in advance of their release.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it was now investigating the matter.
"We have seen reports that the Prime Minister made remarks about the unemployment figures in advance of their publication," said the ONS."We have seen reports that the Prime Minister made remarks about the unemployment figures in advance of their publication," said the ONS.
"The National Statistician is looking into the circumstances and has been in contact with the Cabinet Secretary. We will make a further statement shortly.""The National Statistician is looking into the circumstances and has been in contact with the Cabinet Secretary. We will make a further statement shortly."
'Very welcome''Very welcome'
Mr Blair made his comments on unemployment in a speech to delegates at the TUC conference on Tuesday.Mr Blair made his comments on unemployment in a speech to delegates at the TUC conference on Tuesday.
He said that "tomorrow I think we will probably see - for the first time in some months - a fall again in unemployment, which is very, very welcome indeed".He said that "tomorrow I think we will probably see - for the first time in some months - a fall again in unemployment, which is very, very welcome indeed".
The Tories accused Mr Blair of making an "irresponsible gaffe".The Tories accused Mr Blair of making an "irresponsible gaffe".
"Important economic data should not be blurted out at meetings with trade unionists," said shadow chancellor George Osborne."Important economic data should not be blurted out at meetings with trade unionists," said shadow chancellor George Osborne.
"This proves why we need independent statistics that are not subject to ministerial spin."This proves why we need independent statistics that are not subject to ministerial spin.
"Last year Gordon Brown promised that would happen. But he has failed to deliver." "Last year Gordon Brown promised that would happen. But he has failed to deliver," Mr Osborne said.