Unemployment rises by 28,000 in the UK

By Mark Fordham

UK unemployment rose by 28,000 to 2.67 million during the three months to January 2012, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

The joblessness rate is now up to 8.4 per cent of the population and unemployment amongst women accounted for most of the increase.

Government officials stated the data showed the situation was "stabilising", while Labour said ministers were being complacent.

The number of people now claiming Jobseeker's Allowance increased by 7,200 to 1.61 million last month.

Despite the rise, employment minister Chris Grayling believes these are encouraging figures as it is the lowest increase seen in almost a year.

The number of people working part-time because they are not able to find permanent employment increased by 110,000, which is the highest level seen since records began in 1992.

"The new jobs being created are mainly part-time. These jobs are not paying enough to replace the full-time earnings that people need," TUC general Secretary Brendan Barber commented.