Government to continue to support jobs

Date: 17th March 2010

The number of people facing unemployment has fallen for the third consecutive month, according to official figures.

A recently-published report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that unemployment fell by 33,000 over the last three months and now stands at 2.45 million.

Work and pensions secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the news but said continued investment in supporting jobs is "crucial" to the country's economic recovery.

"We're not out of the woods yet and we are still determined to do more to support jobs and help the unemployed this year," she said.

"The figures show the investment in jobs, education and training places is making a real difference. Half a million fewer people are out of work than anticipated at the time of last year's budget – saving over £10 billion as a result."

According to the ONS report, the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance also fell by 32,300 over the last month.