Jobless numbers head downwards

Unemployment has fallen for the first time in 18 months official figures show.

Under the Labour Force Survey count, unemployment fell by 7,000 to 2.46 million in the three months to November compared with the previous three months. However, the jobless rate remained unchanged at 7.8%.

The fall was due to a cut in the number of unemployed men. Their numbers were down by 20,000 to 1.51 million and their unemployment rate was down to 8.9% from 9.0%. Meanwhile, the number of jobless women rose by 13,000 to 949,000 and their unemployment rate was up to 6.6% from 6.5% previously.

Welcoming the news, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “The first fall in overall unemployment since the recession started shows that government investment is the best way to secure a sustained economic recovery.” He added: “Cutting back on spending now could still unleash a double dip recession and send unemployment soaring.”

The claimant count, which only includes those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, fell for the second month. In December, it was down by 15,200 to 1.6 million, but the unemployment rate was steady at 5.0% for the fourth consecutive month.

Unemployed male claimants were down by 11,700 to 1.17 million and their unemployment rate was cut to 6.7%.

The number of jobless women was down by 3,500 to 435,200, but their jobless rate remained at 2.9%.