More doom an gloom today as latest figures just released show that the number of people losing their jobs surged to 225,000 in the 3 months to November 2008, bringing the jobless total in the UK to 1.92million, the highest it’s been for over a decade.

The  UK now has an unemployment rate of 6.1% and the 2 million is expected to be broked within the next month following a spate of job cuts since the start of the year. 

 The figures released today also show that the number of job vacancies fell by 69,000 to 530,000, the lowest figure since records began in 2001. Most job sectors have shows a fall, with Finance showing the sharpest drops. 

Employment Minister Tony McNulty said: "In these tough times, people need real help to find a job. That’s exactly what this Government is offering and every day people are finding work.

"These figures show that whilst more people are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, 231,000 have come off in the last month as people take advantage of the extra help on offer.

"The Government is doing all it can to ensure economic stability for businesses, homeowners and jobseekers. The measures that we have introduced over the recent months are designed to support the recovery of the economy and ensure that people have the best support to get back into employment.

"Every person looking needs to know that there are jobs out there and we will give you the support you need to fill one of those half a million vacancies that are available right now. We will continue to ensure everyone who loses their job has access to the full range of support that Jobcentre Plus has available.

"Our message to job seekers is clear – we won’t give up on you but you mustn’t give up on looking for work."