More people move into work in the last quarter.
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New figures out show unemployment continuing to fall with 175,000 more people finding a job in the last three months. The employment level stands at a record high with almost 29.4 million in work
At the same time new figures issued by the Office for National Statistics show the numbers claiming jobseekers allowance (JSA) is down for the 16th consecutive month, falling by 10,800 in January to 794,600, the first time it’s fallen below 800,000 since 1975. The number of vacancies in the UK economy remains high at 677,400.
Welcoming the figures Employment Minister Stephen Timms said: “These figures show we continue to have a strong and stable labour market with both record numbers in employment and the lowest claimant count for 32 years.
“Our welfare reform policies are improving the opportunities for people that have traditionally been the hardest to reach, helping them to make the move off benefits and into work. With the right help and support more people are able to take up jobs and provide for themselves and their families where before this didn”t seem an option.”
Earlier this month, the Public Accounts Committee raised concerns over the effectiveness of New Deal as figures showed the number of people finding work through its programmes was levelling off or reducing
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