The number of people in work fell by 58,000 to 32.75 million in the three months to September, while there was also a hike those classed as economically inactive, according to the Office for National Statistics .
While the fall in employment was smaller than the 102,000 forecast, the decline over the quarter was the sharpest since May 2015, when it dropped by 65,000. The ONS said the declining number of people working in retail after high-profile collapses, such as LK Bennett earlier this year, and high street store closures had been a major contributor to the employment slump.
The figures do not include the thousands of jobs at risk at Mothercare, which called in the administrators earlier this month and so falling outside the reporting period.Despite falling employment, unemployment over the period also dipped by 23,000 to 1.31 million. The decline in both has been driven by an increase in the number of people judged economically inactive, which covers those who either have not been seeking work or are unable to do so.
Wtf is economically inactive? Political speak for on bones of their arses?
Wages well ahead of inflation. Employment rate higher than a year ago. 800,000 job vacancies.
You have seen nothing yet. Will get much worse as the West goes into recession as a result of neoliberal policies. On top, the statistics relating to employment overstate employment levels.
Don't we normally say unemployment has increased?
Wait what will all my torie friends brag about now. O absolutely nothing left surely now the game is up.
Brexit's coming. Leave cardboard boxes in the streets.