HC Deb 18 March 1980 vol 981 cc169-70W
18. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the increase or decrease in the total number of persons unemployed and the total number of job vacancies between 3 May 1979 and the latest date for which figures are available.

Mr. Jim Lester

Between May 1979 and February 1980 the numbers registered as unemployed in Great Britain increased by 72,700 whilst the number of unfilled vacancies decreased by 65,600 at employment offices and 23,041 at careers offices. Except for vacancies at careers offices, the figures are seasonally adjusted.

The vacancy statistics relate only to those notified to employment offices and careers offices; vacancies notified to employment offices are estimated to be about one-third of all vacancies in the country as a whole. Because of possible duplication the figures for employment offices and careers offices should not be added together.