Figures also show Women claimants at highest since 1996

The latest unemployment figures show an increase of 44,000 to 2.5 million. Jobseekers Allowance claimants also unexpectedly rose 2,400 last month to 1.46 million.

Out of these claimants, the number of men fell by 5,400 to 1.01 million in January, but in stark contrast the number of female claimants rose by 7,800 to reach 449,200, the highest figure since October 1996. Male claimants have decreased in numbers for twelve consecutive months, but female claimants have increased for seven consecutive months.
 
Liz Field, CEO of the Financial Skills Partnership, said, “It is worrying to see unemployment among women rising, and it is absolutely vital to attract, retain and develop women and young people in the financial services sector. Having a diverse workforce is integral to the success of the sector.”

Joblessness among 16-24-year-olds reached 965,000 in the fourth quarter, or 20.5%, the highest since records began in 1992. A third of the total unemployed had been out of work for more than 12 months, the figures showed.
 
She concluded, “The competitiveness of the British economy is dependent upon harnessing the talents of a rich and diverse talent pool across the UK. The onus is on businesses and education training providers to be more creative and flexible with jobseekers.”