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UK unemployment at six-year high UK unemployment at six-year high
(40 minutes later)
Unemployment rose by 93,000 between May and July to 1.7 million, its highest 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 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.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.
Analysts said economic growth should cut unemployment in the longer term.
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.
The ONS said it was now investigating whether Mr Blair had broken protocol.The ONS said it was now investigating whether Mr Blair had broken protocol.
Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats accused the Prime Minister of abusing his position and trailing official figures in advance of their release.Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats accused the Prime Minister of abusing his position and trailing official figures in advance of their release.
"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," Mr Osborne said."Last year Gordon Brown promised that would happen. But he has failed to deliver," Mr Osborne said.
Longer term
Analysts said that the unemployment figures presented a mixed picture that was unlikely to stop the Bank of England raising interest rates again this year.
The Bank is widely tipped to raise its borrowing costs by a quarter of a percentage point to 5% in November.
They added that the unemployment figures may well improve in coming months should the economy continue to expand.