Unemployment fall welcome but not everyone is benefiting, says TUC

date: 20 February 2013

embargo: For immediate release

Responding to the latest unemployment figures published today (Wednesday) by the Office for National Statistics TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'It's encouraging to see another fall in unemployment, but not everyone is benefiting from the recent jobs growth.

'The number of young people out of work is edging back up towards a million, so the Chancellor must put tackling our youth jobs crisis at the top of his Budget priority list. He can start by introducing a guarantee of paid work for any young person out of work for six months or longer.

'The further squeeze on people's wages is also concerning. This is looking less like a temporary blip, and more like a longer-term problem for the economy.

'Without stronger growth, new jobs will continue to be concentrated in low-wage, low-productivity sectors and we won't see the healthy pay rises that we so desperately need.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The labour market figures are available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lms/labour-market-statistics/february-2013/statistical-bulletin.html

- Further TUC analysis is available at www.toucstoneblog.org.uk

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews

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