15/09/2011

New ONS figures shed light on UK employment situation

The data, which was unveiled by the body earlier in the week, indicates that the employment rate is highest in the east of the country, at 74.7 per cent.

However, the north-east of the UK boasted the lowest rate, reaching 65.9 per cent from May to July 2011.

The ONS described regional unemployment rate figures as "quite volatile", noting that Scotland was the only region that showed an estimated decrease during this period, dropping by 0.2 per cent.

Similarly, it noted rising amounts of individuals claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, with every part of the country showing increases for women and the majority reporting similar gains for males.

The ONS' findings come shortly after government think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research warned of falling employment levels and predicted difficulty for jobseekers in the near future.