Unite: Unemployment figures mark a bleak end to 2011
Unemployment reached a 17-year high after another 128,000 joined the jobless ranks, meaning the total number of unemployed is now 2.64 million. Youth unemployment rose to 1.027 million, the highest since records began in 1992.
Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey said;
"These disastrous unemployment figures mark a bleak end to 2011. The government's policies mean things could be even worse in the New Year.
"The government's claim that the private sector would create hundreds of thousands of jobs was as believable as Father Christmas.
"The coalition's policies of deep cuts, attacks on the public sector and on our employment rights mean there is little hope things will improve in the New Year.
"There is no sign that the private sector is creating any jobs, and the government has no strategy for manufacturing which should be driving the economy.
"Britain urgently needs a major change in direction. Tragically we will get more of the same or worse."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo 07768 931 315
-01.png){kind=spacer}