UK jobless total rises again to 2.5 million

By Alan Jones, PA

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Unemployment has soared by 49,000 to 2.5 million, with a record number of young people out of work, new figures showed today.

One in five 16 to 24-year-olds are jobless after an increase of 32,000 in the quarter to November to 951,000, the highest figure since records began in 1992.

Employment levels have fallen, redundancies have increased and the number of people classed as economically inactive has reached 9.3 million, today's grim figures revealed.

The only bright news from the Office for National Statistics was a 4,100 fall in the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance last month to 1.46 million.

The unemployment rate is now 7.9%, but for 16 to 24-year-olds it is 20.3%.

There were 157,000 redundancies in the latest quarter, up by 14,000 on the previous three months.

The inactivity rate is now 23.4% after an 89,000 increase in the number of people classed as economically inactive, including students, those looking after a sick relative and people who have given up looking for a job.

The number of people who have taken retirement before reaching 65 increased by 39,000 to 1.56 million, the highest figure since records began in 1993.

Employment fell by 69,000 to 29 million, the biggest drop since the summer of 2009.

Public sector employment fell by 33,000 to six million between last June and September, while the number of private sector employees remained unchanged at 23 million.

Long-term unemployment - those out of work for more than a year - rose by 15,000 to 836,000.

Other data showed that average earnings rose by 2.1% in the year to November, unchanged from the previous month.

Average weekly pay in November was £455, up by 2.1% on a year earlier.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: "These figures serve to underline the scale of the challenge we face. We inherited the largest budget deficit in peacetime history and high levels of worklessness, which we are determined to bring down by rebalancing the economy and supporting private sector jobs growth.

"We are already seeing some improvement in the number of vacancies in the economy.

"More personalised support for jobseekers will be on offer through Jobcentre Plus and for the long-term unemployed who need extra help we are introducing our Work Programme in the summer, which will offer support tailored to individuals' needs so that they can get into jobs and stay there."

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Today's grim jobless figures show that rising unemployment is more than an autumn blip, and that it could get much worse in 2011.

"With more than a fifth of young people out of work, we face a real danger of losing another generation of young people to unemployment and wasted ambition.

"By abolishing EMA, pricing young people out of university and cutting support to get them back into work, the Government is punishing youngsters for a mess they didn't cause.

"Employment is now falling at its fastest rate since the recession and many of those finding work are settling for insecure temporary work.

"With the worst of the cuts still to come, this government risks making high joblessness a permanent feature of our economy. It must change course before it's too late."

Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said: "It's no surprise that the job loss totals are creeping up. The coalition's policies are poisonous for our recovery, and risk a downward spiral for our economy.

"Drastic cuts have hit the public sector, which is shedding jobs. These cuts dampen demand and hit private firms dependent on public sector contracts. The private sector is no knight on a white chariot waiting to come to our rescue.

"It's misery for families, hit with a toxic cocktail of high inflation which is pricing them out of everyday living, and dwindling job opportunities. Meanwhile it's easy street for the bankers who caused this crisis, and are still making off with billions in bonuses."

Martina Milburn, chief executive of youth charity The Prince's Trust, said: "Britain is now perilously close to seeing one million young people struggling to find work. At this time when there is huge pressure on the public purse, Government, charities and employers must work together to help young people into jobs and save the state billions."

Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary, said: "This rise in the number of people unemployed at a time when the economy is recovering from the bankers' recession is linked to not filling vacancies right across the public sector and to people of working age volunteering for redundancy being added to the dole queues. The Government is in denial that it is deliberately creating unemployment, but the fact is that it is driving up the level of unemployment."

The GMB said 125,894 job losses had now been announced by 165 authorities, adding that it was difficult to see the private sector creating enough new jobs to make up for the cuts.

David Kern, chief economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "These figures are disappointing and once again slightly worse than expected. For the second month in a row unemployment is up, employment is down and the level of inactivity has seen a marked increase.

"Employment has declined for both full-time and part-time jobs and the number of people working part time because they could not find a full-time job rose to its highest level since comparable records began in 1992. In addition, a record number of young people are out of work.

"While longer-term trends still show that the UK labour market remains relatively robust, the new figures highlight the challenges facing the economy in the months ahead when the austerity programme is implemented more forcefully.

"In light of these figures, we reiterate our forecast that unemployment is likely to increase to 2.6 million over the next year, a further net rise of around 100,000. With the prospect that private-sector employment could decline over the next year, it is critical that private-sector businesses are able to create new jobs."

John Walker, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The true effects of the public sector cuts are beginning to show as growth remains weak, so these figures are worrying reading. The Government has said it is putting its faith in the private sector to pull the economy on to firm ground and create jobs, yet our research shows that small businesses expect job creation to weaken in coming months because they lack confidence in the economy - 12.4% of small firms expect to decrease their number of staff.

"It is now imperative the Bank of England keeps it nerve and holds interest rates at 0.5%, and crucially that the Government brings forward plans for growth, including a competitive tax system, and holds off on any new employment laws to boost job creation and instil confidence. Without this, growth will be difficult for small businesses to achieve."

Unemployment in the regions between September and November was:

North East / 120,000 / plus 5,000 / 9.6%

North West / 260,000 / minus 17,000 / 7.6%

Yorkshire/Humber / 241,000 / minus 6,000 / 9.2%

East Midlands / 186,000 / plus 15,000 / 8.1%

West Midlands / 264,000 / plus 48,000 / 9.9%

East 199,000 / minus 5,000 / 6.6%

London / 382,000 / plus 5,000 / 9.2%

South East / 273,000 / minus 8,000 / 6.1%

South West / 159,000 / plus 6,000 / 5.9%

Wales / 123,000 / plus 4,000 / 8.4%

Scotland / 225,000 / minus 5,000 / 8.4%

N Ireland / 65,000 / plus 7,000 / 7.8%

Hot tips for a warmer winter

The British summer is still months away, but there's no need to despair. Harriet O'Brien reveals how to turn seasonal blues into sun-drenched bliss

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

ALAMY

Where the sun keeps shining: beach life on the Mayan Riviera

We say

With the festive season over and spring still some way off (it begins with the vernal equinox, on 20 March), the dark, damp days of British winter may be getting you down. Don't worry: there is a host of options for escaping for some winter sun. We've sought out some of this season's most appealing new itineraries for breaks over the coming month.

They say

"Sun: The source of light and heat, and consequently of life to the whole world; hence regarded as a deity and worshipped as such..." Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

"One day you'll look to see I've gone. For tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun."

"I'll Follow the Sun" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney (released in 1964).

Far to go?

It's with good reason that the Canary Islands are regarded as a classic winter sun destination. This Atlantic archipelago is as close as you can get to a near-guarantee of perfect conditions in January and February, with a four-hour flight. Daytime temperatures hover around 22C at the moment.

Monarch (08719 40 50 40; www. monarch.co.uk), Thomas Cook Airlines (0871 230 2406; www.fly thomascook.com) and Thomson (0871 231 3235; www.thomson.co.uk) have frequent flights to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife from airports across the UK, often as part of package holidays.

Airtours (0844 871 6636; www.airtours.co.uk) has an extensive choice of packages including new family holidays this winter to Sunstar Resorts' Sun Tropical hotel at Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. A one-week break for a family of three sharing a room costs from £1,086 (£362 per person), covering flights from Gatwick to Lanzarote and all-inclusive accommodation.

Romance and culture

This season, Thomson has added Egypt's southernmost city of Aswan to its winter itinerary. So felucca rides on the Nile and the ruins of ancient Abu Simbel are now accessible at a reasonable price. You can expect a good seven hours of sunshine per day here and temperatures of around 24C, which is pleasantly cool compared with the roasting heat Aswan endures during the summer. Accommodation is at the Mövenpick Resort, sited on Elephantine Island about a 10-minute boat trip from the centre. A one-week holiday costs from £625 per person (based on two sharing, as are all other prices below) including flights to Aswan from Gatwick and accommodation with breakfast.

Sail away

Combine a beach break with learning how to sail – and make for Oman. Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort south of Muscat offers daily programmes in association with Oman Sail, catering for everyone from experienced sailors to novices. The resort is set around a cove backed by craggy cliffs, and presents a wide range of water sports, as well as a large spa, six restaurants, three swimming pools and a private beach. Go now to enjoy temperatures of around 23C and to see hawksbill turtles coming ashore.

Turtle nesting and hatching takes place from January to June, when the resort's "Turtle Ranger" will advise guests on the best and least obtrusive areas to observe these creatures. Trailfinders (0845 050 5874; www.trailfinders.com) can arrange a week here from £1,499 per person (or less if you book by the end of January) including flights from Gatwick via Doha to Muscat on Qatar Airways, transfers and accommodation with breakfast.

Golden shores

Mexico's Mayan Riviera has become a haven of chic, five-star accommodation. The coastline has a tropical climate, which means that it is warm and humid throughout the year, with its drier season running between November and April. Right now, temperatures are around 25C.

BA (0844 493 0758; www.ba.com) flies twice weekly from Gatwick to Cancú* at the northern tip. A week at the Fairmont Mayakoba, which is set in lush grounds bordering turquoise waters, costs £1,382 including breakfast.

Plenty of action

Take an all-inclusive break in Jamaica. Virgin Holidays (0844 557 3859; www.virginholidays.co.uk) has added Breezes Rio Bueno Resort to its portfolio. Set midway along the northern shores of the island, the property has been built to resemble an old-style Jamaican village, with cobbled streets and a town square. It offers an extensive choice of activities from kayaking to windsurfing, beach volleyball, snorkelling and scuba-diving, plus two Olympic-size swimming pools. A week here costs from £1,386 including flights from Gatwick to Montego Bay, transfers and all-inclusive accommodation. Temperatures are currently around 27C.

Go wild

This year, some specialist companies are featuring Zimbabwe on their itineraries. The political and social problems here are by no means over but, they argue, the country needs tourist income – and in return Zimbabwe offers wonderful game viewing in under-visited parks. Expert Africa (020-8232 9777; www.expertafrica.com) suggests combining a wildlife adventure with a trip to the spellbinding Victoria Falls.

You'll spend two nights at elegant Ilala Lodge at the Falls before setting out on a "Klipspringer Safari" that takes you to two of Zimbabwe's best game parks: huge Hwange (particularly rich in elephants as well as herds of buffalo) and the small and lush Matobo Hills (which is a safe haven for rhinos). You'll also visit the charming city of Bulawayo. The total 12-night trip costs from £2,545 per person including flights from Heathrow to Harare via Johannesburg, internal flights and road transfers, all game drives, all accommodation and most meals.

What Google will tell you

A skiing holiday in Pamporovo, Bulgaria, will find you high up amid the vast, deep green pine forests of the Rhodope Mountains. This is a gorgeous place, and the resort's 270 days of annual sunshine make skiing in Pamporovo a bright, cheerful affair. In fact, skiing holidays in Pamporovo treat visitors to the sunniest ski resort in Europe. (www.inghams.co.uk)

What Google won't tell you – until now

Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director of Bupa International, says: "Getting away for some sunshine when it is scarce at home is actually beneficial for your health. We need sunlight to help us produce vitamin D, which increases the amount of calcium we absorb from our bloodstream, essential for keeping bones strong. Holidays are great for our mental wellbeing, too. Light stimulates a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls mood and sleep, and there's evidence to confirm that seasonal affective disorder can be combated by sun exposure. I always take a holiday in the winter for this very reason, and would recommend it to others."

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Ahmadinejad: Iran not to withdraw from its nuclear objectives

2011-01-19 13:28:10 GMT2011-01-19 21:28:10(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

TEHRAN, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that Iran will not withdraw from its nuclear objectives despite the West's pressure, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Referring to the enemies' pressure, Ahmadinejad said the Iranian nation will not withdraw an iota from its nuclear objectives, said Fars.

Addressing a crowd in central city of Yazd on Wednesday, he said that "The attempts of the countries which used all their power to stop Iran from being nuclear (state) ... was in vain and Iran with the help of God became nuclear (country)."

Earlier in December, the Iranian president also said that Iran was a nuclear country, implying that Iran had achieved nuclear know-how for energy purposes.

"Now, most of those countries which failed in their attempts (to stop Iran) want to cooperate with Iran in nuclear area," he was quoted as saying.

The West has long accused Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons under civilian disguise, although Tehran has always denied such charges.

Jet Li's wax figure unveiled in Shanghai

2011-01-19 14:21:11 GMT2011-01-19 22:21:11(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

Actor Jet Li (R) stands with the wax model of himself in Shanghai Madame Tussauds Waxwork Museum in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 19, 2011. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Actor Jet Li (R) stands with the wax model of himself in Shanghai Madame Tussauds Waxwork Museum in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 19, 2011. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Actor Jet Li stands with the wax model of himself in Shanghai Madame Tussauds Waxwork Museum in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 19, 2011. A new wax model of Jet Li was unveiled in the museum in Shanghai Wednesday.

Record 284 companies invest in Hong Kong in 2010

2011-01-19 09:44:54 GMT2011-01-19 17:44:54(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

HONG KONG, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Invest Hong Kong of the Hong Kong government helped a record of 284 companies from Chinese mainland and overseas set up or expand in Hong Kong in 2010, with Chinese mainland continuing to be the largest single source of investment by taking 18 percent of the total projects, the bureau said on Wednesday.

"Last year's result was very encouraging. It demonstrated a strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong as a business location," Director-General of Investment Promotion Simon Galpin said.

Of the 284 completed projects, Chinese mainland accounted for 52 projects, followed by the United States with 51, the United Kingdom with 36, Japan with 19, and Australia with 16. The top three industry sectors were transport and industrial, tourism and hospitality, and innovation and technology, the statement showed.

Last year also marked greater emphasis on green foreign direct investment, in particular on companies that provide renewable energy and environmental protection solutions.

Invest Hong Kong will strengthen its promotion efforts in the mature markets of the United States and the United Kingdom in 2011, as well as the emerging markets of Chinese mainland and Russia, said Galpin.

Amid freezing weather, China begins its annual Spring Festival travel rush

2011-01-19 13:08:10 GMT2011-01-19 21:08:10(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

Passengers board a train at Urumqi South Railway Station in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 19, 2011, the first day of the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush. China's Ministry of Transport (MOT) estimated that 2.85 billion passenger trips would be made during the period, 11.6 percent more than last year. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)

BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's annual Spring Festival travel rush began Wednesday in freezing weather, with some 700 million people, or half the nation's population, expected to travel within the country during the 40-day-long travel period.

China's Ministry of Transport (MOT) estimates that 2.85 billion passenger trips will be made during the period, 11.6 percent more than last year.

The Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New year, is the most important traditional festival of family reunions. This year, it falls on Feb. 3.

As usual, the peak travel season is pressuring China's transportation network, with passenger trips by railway up about 12.5 percent and those by plane up about 10.8 percent year on year, according to the country's transport authorities.

But freezing weather in south China is likely to disrupt travel and transportation, with temperatures down to their lowest since 1961 in the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan and Hubei.

A MOT report at 9 a.m. Wednesday said an expressway, seven national highways, and 36 provincial highways have been closed due to heavy snow and icy rain in the southwest municipality of Chongqing and the southern provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, Anhui, Hunan and Hubei.

Railway traffic has increased in parts of Guizhou and Hunan provinces because heavy snow has delayed other modes of transportation, the Ministry of Railways said in another report.

Passengers board a train at Urumqi South Railway Station in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 19, 2011, the first day of the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush. China's Ministry of Transport (MOT) estimated that 2.85 billion passenger trips would be made during the period, 11.6 percent more than last year. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)

But so far railway traffic has been orderly, as local transportation authorities prepared for possible inclement weather conditions, after freezing weather in the winter of 2008 caused traffic chaos and prevented many people from going home, the report said.

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) forecasts snow storms to hit regions of Guizhou, Yunnan and Hunan this week.

Besides journeys home, many trips will be made to tourist destinations, such as Sanya in Hainan Province, said ministry spokesman He Jianzhong.

On Tuesday alone, a total of 4.72 million passenger trips were made on the nation's railway lines. Railway authorities have arranged an extra 132 trains to cope with the increase in passengers, according to MOR figures.

Children react to a photographer at Urumqi South Railway Station in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 19, 2011, the first day of the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush. China's Ministry of Transport (MOT) estimated that 2.85 billion passenger trips would be made during the period, 11.6 percent more than last year. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)

The MOT had earlier said it will run an extra 293 trains per day during the rush period, with the average daily train departures totaling 4,561. The trains will carry 6.2 million passengers per day, up 12.5 percent year on year.

China had been working to cope with the flood of travelers with more railway construction and crackdowns on train-ticket scalping.

In China, it is often difficult to obtain train tickets during peak travel seasons.

At Beijing West Railway Station, some 100 temporary ticket-selling booths have been set up to make buying tickets easier, allowing 5,000 people to simultaneously queue for tickets.

However, Wang Zhiguo, vice minister of railways, admitted China's railway transportation was still "far from" meeting the social demand, despite that China put into service 480 trains on its newly constructed high-speed railways and added some 8,540 ordinary trains to its national network in the past year.

During the 2001 Spring Festival period, some 1.66 billion passenger journeys were made. In the 2005 period, there were 1.9 billion. In the 2010 period there were 2.2 billion.