Jobs market on 'dangerous trajectory'
Dec 14 2011
Unemployment now stands at 8.3 per cent
Unemployment will only stop rising when businesses regain their confidence, an industry expert says.
Andrew Sissons, researcher at the Work Foundation, which undertakes studies on the future of employment adds, ‘That will either require a rapid resolution to the Eurozone crisis, or a decisive signal from government that it is committed to boosting growth in the long-term.’
The jobless toll for all age groups rose by 128,000 between August and October to 2.64 million, the highest total since 1994, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The unemployment rate of 8.3 per cent is up 0.4 per cent on the previous three months.
Clive Davis, director at recruiter Robert Half UK says, ‘It’s clear that we’re reaching a cross-roads in what appears to be a dual economy in the UK job market. As today’s ONS figures have shown, moderate gains in the private sector have not offset losses in the public sector, primarily in public administration and education.’
Davis claims that companies are targeting experienced individuals who can help them navigate an ever-changing economic landscape and in many cases are relying on specialised temporary and interim professionals to support key initiatives.
Neil Bentley, deputy director general at the Confederation of British Industry points to the fact that, even as growth slows, numbers of private sector jobs have still been growing. ‘But with public job losses falling faster, it’s vital that the government does everything possible to secure the private sector recovery,’ he adds.
‘It’s time to get on with increasing exports, helping companies, and attracting new investment into our infrastructure.’
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