UK / Unemployment rises to 2.56 million

UK unemployment rose by 70,000 to 2.56 million between December and February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said.

It pushed the unemployment rate to 7.9%, raising further questions about the UK’s economic strength.

The number of people in employment also fell, while earnings growth slowed considerably, according to ONS data.

But there was positive news on the number claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance last month, down 7,000 to 1.53 million.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor

via BBC News – UK unemployment rises to 2.56 million.