Recent figures have been erratic and this quarter's are disappointing. However, taking the year as a whole the number of people in work is up by over 200,000.
These figures reflect the rather mixed picture of recent months. Employment is up by nearly 200,000 on the year and I am pleased to see the claimant count falling for the first time in a year. However, the rise in ILO unemployment shows the need to continue to be vigilant.