Figures released by the Office of National Statistics, ONS, show that unemployment rose by 244,000 to 2.22 million in the first three months of 2009, or 7.1% of the workforce.

The jobless rate rose from 6.7% to 7.1%. Unemployment benefit claimants in April rose 57,100 to 1.51 million.

This is the biggest quarterly rise in the jobless rate and number since 1981.

The figures were due to be released by the ONS on Wednesday at 09.30 am, but came out at 1400 a day early, apparently down to an "accidental early release".

This means that the unemployment rate in the UK stands at 7.1%

Debtwizard comment

With 3 million people expected to be unemployed by the end of the year there is real concern about how theses individuals will motivate themselves into getting back to work.

Unfortunately some will drop into depression or turn to alcohol, gambling or even crime in an attempt to solve their debt problems.

From experience many will not address their debt issues for over a year from when they first arose and will just freefall further into debt.

Creditors also need to be more understanding and sympathetic towards borrowers that find themselves suddenly out of work.

Debt can consume your life. These people need support from their families, friends and creditors both their emotions and finances. They also need to have clear goals on how they can manage their debts.

It is a clear fact that once you get back control of your debts you get back control of your life.