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REC responds to latest ONS unemployment figures
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics today show the number of people out of work again rose again in the three month period to September. However, the rise of 30,000 was the smallest since May last year.
The number of people who are unemployed is now 2.46 million while the youth unemployment rate went up by 15,000 with 943,000 18 to 24 year olds now seeking work.
Commenting on this, Tom Hadley, the REC’s Director of External Relations said: “The latest figures fit with the feedback from professional recruiters and with recent data showing positive signs for the UK jobs market. The REC's own research shows that the demand for staff is higher than at any other time in the past two years and there has been an upturn in employer confidence in most sectors.
“We believe that unemployment won’t hit the three million mark forecast for next year, although there are concerns over how the anticipated squeeze on job opportunities in the public sector could counteract any upturn in the private sector."
Hadley added: “Practical guidance and support for job-seekers will remain crucial. We must build on the progress that has been made in terms of co-operation between private sector recruitment agencies and the public sector employment service if we are to continue to see unemployment slow."
