Jobless numbers fall

The number of people working part-time because they cannot find a full-time job has reached a record high.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics show the total now stands at 1.15 million. That is an increase of 67,000 over the quarter to September.

It is the highest number since records began in 1992.

Overall, unemployment fell to 2.45 million although the number of people out of work for longer than a year jumped to 817,000.

The numbers claiming Jobseeker's Allowance fell by 3,700 to 1.47 million which is the first monthly fall since July.

Job vacancies fell by 27,000 to 453,000 in the three months to October, with education showing the biggest drop.

Employment minister Chris Grayling said: "Unemployment is down and employment is up, which is good news. The private sector is leading the way and creating jobs and opportunities for people across the country. Today's figures show that businesses are responding well and we will continue to help them expand and develop, as the economy grows."

Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, said: "The cuts in the comprehensive spending review last month have already led to over 37,000 job losses being announced in 27 councils, and this number is being added to daily."