Unemployed in the UK has unexpectedly fallen for the first time in 18 months with the total unemployed now standing at 2.46 million for the three months to November. This is a reduction of 7,000 on the figure for the previous three months with the jobless rate now standing at 7.8%.

Jobs seekers allowance

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s allowance (the Claimant count) for December 2009 was 1.61 million a drop of 15,200 over the month.

18 -24 year olds

Unemployment for 18 to 24 year olds was 728,000 in the three months to November 2009, down 12,000 from the three months. 

Those unemployed for over 12 months 

The number of people unemployed for over 12 months was 631,000 in the three months to November 2009, up 29,000 from the three months to August 2009.

Those that are working full time

The employment rate for September to November 2009 was 72.4 per cent. This is the lowest since the winter of 1996-97 and is down 0.1 on the quarter. The number of people in employment fell by 14,000 on the quarter to reach 28.92 million.

The number of people in full-time employment fell by 113,000 on the quarter.

Those working part-time 

While the number of people in part-time employment increased by 99,000 on the quarter to reach a record high of 7.71 million. There were 1.03 million employees and self-employed people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job.

This is the highest figure since records for this series began in 1992 and it is up 46,000 on the quarter.

Vacancies

The number of vacancies in the three months to December 2009 was 448,000, up 16,000.

More stats at statistics.gov.uk                

Debtwizard comment

So we never made the 3 million mark of unemployed by the end of the year, as predicted by many analysts, that said my real concern is how these individuals that become unemployed will motivate themselves into getting back to work.

From experience many will not address their debt issues for well over a year from when they first arose and will often ignore the fact that they have a serious debt problem growing everyday. Some will unfortunately drop into depression or turn to alcohol, gambling or even crime in an attempt to solve their debt problems.

Many will eventually find new jobs but some will not match or improve on their previous salaries and as a result thousands will free-fall into debt. From this a segment will end up bankrupt or propose an Individual Voluntary Arrangement, (IVA).

There will also be others who will not be able to pay their mortgages and who will eventually lose their home. The high unemployment figures will have an impact on both the insolvency and house repossession figures.

Creditors also need to be more understanding and sympathetic towards borrowers who find themselves suddenly out of work and should take note when someone is a ‘can’t payer’ instead of a ‘won’t payer’.

Debt can consume your life. These people need support from their families, friends and creditors both emotionally and financially. They also need to have clear goals on how they can manage their debts. The best way to start is to draw up a budget form, prioritise which creditors need to be paid first such as mortgage and rent, followed by utilities.

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