HC Deb 27 March 1979 vol 965 cc96-7W
38. Mr. Haselhurst

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest underlying trend in unemployment and in the level of vacancies.

Mr. Golding

It is too early to state whether the downward trend in unemployment and the upward trend in notified vacancies experienced during 1978 and the latter part of 1977 have been reversed. Recent unemployment and vacancy statistics have been affected by the unusually severe weather and industrial disputes.

41. Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present level of unemployment; and by what percentage it has increased since March 1974.

Mr. Golding

At 8 March, the provisional number of people registered as unemployed in Great Britain was 1,339,806, an increase of 127 per cent. since March 1974.