Unemployment rate slowing - ONS

The number of unemployed has risen again, although the rate of increase is slowing, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Individuals out of work now total 2.47 million after a rise of 88,000 in the three months to August. But this represents the lowest rise since July 2008. The jobless rate rose to 7.9% from 7.6%.

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit grew in September by 20,800 to 1.63 million. Although this number is now the highest since 1997, the rise compared with the previous month was the least since May 2008.

The number of young unemployed - those aged between 16 and 24 - continued to rise, totaling 946,000 in the three months to August. This compares with 927,000 for the three months to July.

Men remain the most affected by unemployment, with the number of males without work rising by 76,000 to 1.53 million in the three months to August.