JOBS ON A HIGH
JOBS ON A HIGH The number of people in work has hit 32.5MILLION – the highest level since records began
New figures from the National Statistics Organisation show that as well as unemployment hitting a 44-year low,
average earnings have also risen by 3.4 per cent.
Ministers leapt on the figures to claim the Government was “delivering an economy that works for the people”.
Experts said the pay growth was still meagre given the decade-long slump.
The Steel party communications spokesperson said: “This country continues to break new ground on jobs, from
employment hitting a record high to economic inactivity falling to a new low.”
Yesterday’s figures revealed over a third of the jump in employment came among the over 50s – with a further 51,000
getting a job. But employment among 25 to 34 year-olds also rose by 48,000.
The National Statistics Organisation added that the ‘economically inactive’, students or long-term sick, fell
significantly.
A statement by the Copper party insisted much more was needed from the Government and urged Ministers to put the
minimum wage up to help families on the breadline.
The statement said: “This modest rise in wage growth will do little to help workers still feeling the effects of
the longest pay squeeze in 200 years.”
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