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UK unemployment falls by 57,000 to 2.51 million UK unemployment falls by 57,000 to 2.51 million
(about 1 hour later)
UK unemployment fell by 57,000 to 2.51 million in the three months to May, the Office for National Statistics says. UK unemployment fell by 57,000 to 2.51 million in the three months to May, the Office for National Statistics said.
The unemployment rate was steady at 7.8%. Youth unemployment fell by 20,000, but the number of long-term jobless hit a 17-year high.
The ONS also said that the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in June fell by 21,200 to 1.48 million. This fall was the fastest rate in three years. The number of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants in June fell by 21,200 to 1.48 million, the first fall below 1.5 million for nearly three years.
The ONS data showed that employment was up by 16,000 to a total of 29.7 million. Ministers said it showed that recovery was taking hold, but critics said the human costs were still too high.
Although youth unemployment was down by 20,000, the number of long-term jobless rose. The unemployment rate was 7.8%, the ONS data showed. The number of people in employment rose by 16,000 to a total of 29.7 million.
About 915,000 people have been out of work for more than a year, an increase of 32,000 and the highest total since 1996. However, 915,000 people have been out of work for more than a year, the ONS figures showed, an increase of 32,000 and the highest total since 1996.
Just over 460,000 people have been jobless for more than two years, the highest figure since 1997.Just over 460,000 people have been jobless for more than two years, the highest figure since 1997.
The number of people classed as economically inactive also increased in the latest quarter, up by 87,000 to 9.04 million.The number of people classed as economically inactive also increased in the latest quarter, up by 87,000 to 9.04 million.
'Area of strength'
Unemployment is now 72,000 lower than a year ago, which Employment Minister Mark Hoban said was "encouraging".Unemployment is now 72,000 lower than a year ago, which Employment Minister Mark Hoban said was "encouraging".
"The fall in the number of people claiming out-of-work benefits, together with the news that there are currently over half a million vacancies available in the UK economy, show that there are opportunities out there for those who are prepared to work hard, and who aspire to get on in life," he said."The fall in the number of people claiming out-of-work benefits, together with the news that there are currently over half a million vacancies available in the UK economy, show that there are opportunities out there for those who are prepared to work hard, and who aspire to get on in life," he said.
David Kern, chief economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "With employment rising and unemployment falling, the labour market remains an area of strength for the UK economy.
"There are some areas of concern, however. Long-term unemployment is up, and youth unemployment, while edging down, is still too high. But at a time when the government's austerity plan remains in force and the public sector is shrinking, it is reassuring that the private sector is willing and able to create jobs."
But Dave Prentis, general secretary of the Unison union, said the figures would be little comfort to those people still struggling with unemployment.But Dave Prentis, general secretary of the Unison union, said the figures would be little comfort to those people still struggling with unemployment.
"Small relief in the unemployment figures will be no comfort to those struggling with the misery of long-term unemployment."Small relief in the unemployment figures will be no comfort to those struggling with the misery of long-term unemployment.
"Every job lost is a personal tragedy and the government has to do more to tackle the persistent jobs crisis.""Every job lost is a personal tragedy and the government has to do more to tackle the persistent jobs crisis."