The three months to June 2010 showed a drop in UK unemployment of 49 000, the largest such fall in three years. At the same time, the number of those in part-time employment increased by 115 000 while an additional 68 000 full time posts were filled.

The unemployment rate fell in Wales, England and Northern Ireland while Scotland experienced a slight increase of 0.2%.

Despite this relatively good news, analysts said that the small drop in people claiming unemployment benefit of 3800 in July, pointed to a slowdown in the pace of economic recovery. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development also highlighted more part-time positions and reduced pay-settlements as being indicative of a less secure job market.

Source: bbc.co.uk/11.08.2010