ONS data shows employment levels are up
21 June 2012
Posted by Editorial Team
Employment levels across the UK have risen once again, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The data shows recruitment was up in May to 29.28 million, with 166,000 additional personnel taken on.
Meanwhile, unemployment fell by 51,000 to 2.61 million, although claimant count has risen by 8,100 after a drop of nearly 13,000 in April.
The Minister for Employment Chris Grayling welcomed the rise in employment, but urged caution due to economic challenges that are expected to lie ahead.
However, he noted there are positive aspects to be taken from the statistics including the fact there are now more jobs available in the economy.
Compared the same period last year, there were 465,000 vacancies in May, which is up 7,000 on 2011.
Meanwhile, the number of people employed in the private sector has increased by 205,000, which offsets a fall of 39,000 in the public sector.
Overall, the results also show the total number of individuals in full-time jobs is up 82,000.
"These figures show that with the right support in place, it is possible for the private sector to create jobs while the public sector employment is falling," Mr Grayling remarked.
There was also good news for young people, as the number of people out of education and now seeking jobs dropped to 709,000, which is a fall of 23,000.
Statistics from the Labour Force Survey cover the period of February to April, with the claimant count reflecting May and the vacancy count covering March to May 2012.
Across the private sector, employment rose by 205,000 on the quarter and 320,000 on the year to 23.4 million.
This is a rate rise of 70.6 per cent, which is up 0.3 points, but unchanged for the year.
As well as looking at employment, the ONS figures assess the economic inactivity levels for the quarter.
It was found levels were at 9.23 million, which is down 69,000 on the quarter and 139,000 on the year.
Elsewhere, the data showed the number of people on Jobseekers' Allowance rose in May, but the amount of individuals claiming one of the other main out-of-work benefits is improving.
However, redundancies fell and unfilled vacancies rose on the quarter.
The news comes after the latest labour market statistics from the Scottish government revealed unemployment in the country is falling faster than in England.
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