Chamber comments on latest UK unemployment figures

Commenting on the release of the latest UK unemployment figures for February 2010, George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Although national figures are better than expected and reflect the sacrifices made by workers, who are being more flexible and willing to accept lower wages or shorter hours rather than lose their jobs, locally, we again appear to be bucking the trend.

"We are probably seeing the lingering effects of seasonal employment coming to an end - there is normally a rise in numbers immediately after the Christmas period when the contracts for temporary workers finish and people start claiming again.

"There appears to be a worrying trend emerging, with the number of long-term unemployed and the economically inactive - those leaving the workforce completely - rising apace, which could lead to a sharp spike in unemployment figures should they decide to start looking for work.

"It is clear that now is not the time to cut back on support for job creation and the Government has an ideal opportunity with the forthcoming Budget to introduce measures that support business' ability to increase employment, with particular emphasis on full-time jobs. Scrapping the hike in employers' National Insurance Contributions, planned for next year, would be a good place to start."

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