TUC comments on new unemployment figures

date: 14 November 2012

embargo: For immediate release

Responding to the latest unemployment figures published today (Wednesday) by the Office for National Statistics, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Today's figures show more welcome improvements in the jobs market with employment rising and the number of young people not in education or work falling.

'However, tougher times may still be ahead if our economy starts to slow again in the autumn quarter. There are still big challenges ahead, with long-term unemployment rising, real wages falling and far too many young people out of work.

'Today's improvements can only be sustained if the government acts to keep our economy moving. We also need far more investment in quality support for those who are out of work to ensure that they can share in our emerging jobs recovery.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Dole claimants per jobcentre by local authority, October 2012

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