Unemployment in the UK rose to 4.1%, a total increase of 62,000, in the three months to July this year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Britain’s official statistics agency said unemployment was up from 3.9% last month with 695,000 fewer people in employment in August compared to March, when the country was first locked down.
THE END OF JOB SUPPORT SCHEME COULD INCREASE UNEMPLOYMENT
Darren Morgan, the director of economic statistics at the ONS, said: “Some effects of the pandemic on the labour market were beginning to unwind in July as parts of the economy reopened.”
“Nonetheless, with the number of employees on the payroll down again in August and both unemployment and redundancies sharply up in July, it is clear that coronavirus is still having a big impact on the world of work,” he added.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This is a difficult time for many as the pandemic continues to have a profound impact on people’s jobs and livelihoods. That’s why protecting jobs and helping people back into work continues to be my number one priority.”
Sunak’s coronavirus job support scheme paid workers forced to stay home during the pandemic 80% of their pay up to £2,500 ($3,225) a month. It ends on Oct. 31, leading to fears from economists and the opposition that this could further increase unemployment.