Unemployment rises to 5.7%

National unemployment statistics released today (Wednesday 15 October) showed a rise in the unemployment rate of 5.7%, the biggest since the last recession 17 years ago, reports the Guardian.

The number out of work and claiming jobless benefits rose by 31,800. It was the eighth monthly rise in a row. The City had expected a 35,000 increase.

That took the claimant count jobless rate up to 2.9%, its highest level since January 2007.