Workers young and old benefit from record employment growth
16 January 2008
Latest figures from the Department of Work and Pensions show the highest quarterly growth in the number of people in work since 1997. In the last three months 175,000 more people found a job, swelling the total to a record 29.36 million.

At the same time the independent figures from the Office for National Statistics show the numbers claiming unemployment benefit fell for the 15th consecutive month to 807,700, the lowest it has been for over 30 years.

Welcoming the figures Employment Minister Caroline Flint said: “I’m pleased to see these figures showing growth in employment for both younger and older workers alike – with 60,000 more 16-24 year olds and 95,000 more people over 50 in work than in the last quarter. With record numbers of vacancies in the economy the opportunities exist for people to make the most of their skills and talents.

“These are another set of positive figures on the labour market. But we are determined to do more through our comprehensive welfare reform programme and the roll out of local employment partnerships to help ensure everyone gets the chance they deserve.”

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