UK unemployment rises to 2.5m

This morning’s UK unemployment data showed a 49,000 rise to 2.5m at the end of November – although the official unemployment rate remains at 7.9%

Some analysts are warning of a ‘double dip’ in unemployment, with the jobless total set to rise further in 2011 before improving.

As unemployment is a key measure of the UK’s economic recovery, the Pound can be affected. This morning we have seen a slight fall in sterling’s value on the back of the releases.

There is no more major UK data due out until Friday’s retail sales figures at 9.30am.