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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| UK unemployment in further fall | UK unemployment in further fall |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The number of people unemployed in the UK has fallen again, leaving the jobless rate at 7.8%, figures show. | The number of people unemployed in the UK has fallen again, leaving the jobless rate at 7.8%, figures show. |
| Total unemployment stood at 2.45 million for the three months to January, down 33,000 on the figure for the previous three months. | Total unemployment stood at 2.45 million for the three months to January, down 33,000 on the figure for the previous three months. |
| But long-term unemployment, covering those out of work for more than a year, rose by 61,000 to 687,000. | But long-term unemployment, covering those out of work for more than a year, rose by 61,000 to 687,000. |
| The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance fell by 32,300 to 1.59 million in February. | The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance fell by 32,300 to 1.59 million in February. |
| "This is a positive surprise and not before time," said Colin Ellis, Economist at Daiwa Capital Markets, in response to the unemployment figures. | "This is a positive surprise and not before time," said Colin Ellis, Economist at Daiwa Capital Markets, in response to the unemployment figures. |
| He said that workers were being flexible, so as to remain in the labour market. | He said that workers were being flexible, so as to remain in the labour market. |
| "Workers are probably willing to accept lower wages or shorter hours to hang on to their jobs." | "Workers are probably willing to accept lower wages or shorter hours to hang on to their jobs." |
| However, the number of people in work actually fell in the quarter, by 54,000 to 28.86 million. | However, the number of people in work actually fell in the quarter, by 54,000 to 28.86 million. |
| The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that unemployment and employment were both falling because of a rising number of people being classed as economically inactive. | The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that unemployment and employment were both falling because of a rising number of people being classed as economically inactive. |
| This category includes students and those on long-term sick leave, as well as those who have stopped looking for a job. | This category includes students and those on long-term sick leave, as well as those who have stopped looking for a job. |