The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Britain has risen to a fresh three-year high, official figures showed today.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the so-called claimant count rose by 12,600 last month to 937,600 - its highest level since July 2003. It followed February's rise of 14,600 which was the biggest monthly increase since the end of 1992.
Jobless claims have now risen for 13 of the last 14 months, the longest period of increases since the UK emerged from recession in 1992.
The total number of people out of work increased by 30,000 to 1.56 million between December and February, according to the ONS. The rise was caused entirely by an increase in the number of jobless women.
Average earnings increased by 4.2% in the year to February, which was 0.6 points higher than the previous month's figure thanks largely to City bonuses.
Excluding bonuses, the rate was unchanged at 3.8%.
