UK jobless figures soar

Britain’s employment situation got even worse in November.

The number of people out of work and claiming jobless benefits rose for a 10th consecutive month and by the biggest margin since 1991. The total number on jobless benefit was over one million for the first time since 2001. But the broader International Labour Organisation calculation is a total of 1.86 million in the three months to October and a Bank of England policymaker is forecasting it will go over two million by Christmas. Retailer Woolworths’ 30,00 workers are likely to join the dole queues soon. The more than 800 stores are due to close by 5th January unless the administrator can find a buyer. Woolworths is the biggest casualty so far of the severe downturn in consumer spending in the UK.More about: Economy

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