Unemployment rise is 'cause for concern', says CBI

Date: 18th August 2011

A number of Britons could be tempted to start their own businesses as unemployment in the UK increases.

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, the number of unemployed people in the UK has increased by 38,000 in the last quarter.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the figures are a cause for "significant concern".

However, there were also signs that small businesses are going from strength to strength, with the private sector the source of much job creation.

Dr Neil Bentley, the CBI's deputy director-general, commented: "Unemployment rising is a significant concern, but there is some cause for optimism in that over half a million net new jobs were created by the private sector in the last year, and total numbers employed also rose in today's figures.

"Businesses are committed to getting young people into work, with many already offering apprenticeships, training opportunities and work placements. But the government must do more to prioritise private sector growth, which is the best way to create jobs."

Posted by Emily Smith