Unemployment back to 1997 levels

[DimPrawn]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7787280.stm

The number of people out of work in the UK rose by 137,000 to 1.86 million in the three months to October - the highest level since 1997.

This took the unemployment rate up to 6% from 5.8% previously, the Office for National Statistics said

People claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in November rose 75,700 to 1.07 million - the largest rise since March 1991.



What we need is New New Labour (things, can only get better, only get better, )

Perhaps Blair can come back and save us?

[BrilloPad]

Wonder where it will be in 3 months time?

DOOMED.....

[Iron Condor]

Jobstats is showing contractor job numbers for Dec 2008 to be about the same as for Dec 2001.

And London job ads for Dec 2008 were even lower than Dec 2001.

Jobstats doesnt go as far back as 1997 but I would guess that there are less job vacancies in uk IT in Jan 2009 than there were in Jan 1997..

Although the top 10% of rates and salaries offered now might be much higher than 1997, I would guess the average rate is about the same or only slightly higher than 1997. Even though inflation has been 50% (official) to 75% (more realistic) in that time.

[AlfredJPruffock]

This defeatist talk should be met with a firm rebuttal.

If you want to work - there are jobs available.

Dust yourself down and Get on your Bike.