Joblessness is on the rise – check what help you can get if you’re affected

Unemployment is at its highest level since September 2021, according to the latest figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In the three months leading up to April, unemployment rose to 4.4% from 4.3%, marking the fourth increase in a row.

In addition, more than a fifth of working-age people (over nine million) aren’t actively looking for employment.

The ONS report also revealed job vacancies fell by 12,000 in the three months to May.

On top of this, the number of people out of work due to long-term ill-health reached a new record of 2.83 million.

On the bright side, the figures show that pay is continuing to grow, thanks to wages rising faster than inflation.

Mel Stride, work and pensions secretary, said the unemployment rate had only “slightly” increased, adding that it was “still at a historically, relatively low, level”.

But shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall said the figures “confirm that the Tories have no hiding place after 14 years of abject failure”.

The Bank of England said it would study the report to help inform the timing of the first interest rate cut since the start of the pandemic.

Unemployment benefits

If you’re out of work, you may be entitled to benefits. For example, you could apply for new style jobseekers allowance (JSA) to help you while you’re looking for work. You may also be able to get universal credit instead or alongside new style JSA.

Check what support and benefits you may be entitled to on our website.

Struggling to pay the bills?

Are you having money troubles? It may be time to ask for help.  

We may be able to help get you back on track by creating a realistic budget, helping you apply for grants, and advising you on possible solutions if you’re in debt.

All the advice we give is free. Some of our debt solutions are free too, while others have a fee.

You can get in touch with us online or give us a call.