Welfare reforms must sit alongside more good jobs and improved support – TUC

• Unemployment and employment rates were both up by 0.1ppts on the quarter, with youth unemployment up by 0.2ppts 

• Payrolled employees is unchanged between December and January and rose by 0.1% over the year 

• Youth unemployment rate is 12.9%, increased by 100,000 over the year 

• The redundancy rate is 4.2 per 1,000 employees, up from 3.4 in the previous quarter  

• Inactivity from long-term sickness remains at 2.8 million 

• Real pay growth slowed to 3.1%, compared to CPI 

Responding to Thursday’s labour market data, which show rising youth unemployment and slowing real pay growth, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: 

“Our jobs market continues to weaken, with real pay growth slowing, redundancies rising and unemployment up.  

High interest rates are holding back employment and living standards, and we hope that the Bank acts to make a further cut later today.” 

On ill health and economic inactivity, he said: 

“Ill health and economic inactivity are highest in the towns and communities with least economic opportunity.  

The government’s Make Work Pay plans and industrial strategy will help create more good secure jobs, but welfare reforms must recognise that these changes have not yet taken place. For many disabled people who could work, access to good jobs with the support they need to work remains elusive.” 

On youth unemployment he added: 

“The best way to support young people at the start of their careers is genuine opportunities to earn or learn. But young people have been let down by years of Tory failure. Apprenticeship starts have fallen through the floor while waiting lists for mental health services have rocketed.  

It is crucial that a fully funded and comprehensive Youth Guarantee is put in place to give all young people the best possible start to their working lives. Wherever they live, every young person should have access to high-quality training, decent work and proper healthcare.”