Economically inactive hits record high at 21.5%

The number of people unemployed in the UK increased by 23,000 to 2.47 million during the three months to April, official figures have shown.

 

The unemployment rate was 7.9%, up from 7.8% in the quarter to January.

 

However, the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance fell in May by 30,900 to 1.48 million, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

 

And unemployment did fall in some parts of the UK, including Wales, and the north-east of England.

 

Further, when compared with the figures for the three months to March, overall unemployment has fallen from 2.51 million.

 

Most worrying the ONS added that the number of people classed as economically inactive - those out of work and not seeking employment - rose by 29,000 during the three months to April to 8.19 million. This is the highest level since records began, and represents 21.5% of the working age population. 

 

Those out of employment for more than a year also rose sharply.

 

Public sector employment fell by 7,000 in the first quarter to 6.09 million but will be hit hard in the budget next Tuesday the 22nd June