Unemployment in biggest annual fall since 1988

Unemployment fell by 468,000 from July 2013 to July 2014, the biggest year-on-year decrease since 1988, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The ONS UK Labour Market September 2014 report suggests that between May and July of this year there were 2.02 million people unemployed in the UK. This is 146,000 fewer than the period from February to April. The proportion of British adults unemployed is now at 6.2%, the lowest since the third quarter of 2008.

Currently 77.9% of men are in work, which is just below the 2008 peak of 79%. For women employment is higher (68%) than the 2008 peak of 67.1%.

Wages showed modest growth of 0.6% from May to July. This is still well below the inflation rate of 1.5%, announced this week in separate ONS figures.

Chancellor George Osborne claimed that the figures show "another step towards full employment" but admitted there is still "more to do".

Labour shadow employment minister Stephen Timms highlighted the continual slow growth in pay as a concern.

CIPD chief economist Mark Beatson welcomed continued job creation delivering a "big reduction in unemployment". "

At a time when many other European countries are struggling to create jobs, this is a considerable achievement," he said. "However, the new figures also show that pay growth remains very subdued and well below all measures of price inflation, so the improvements in productivity and pay that we are all looking for are still not in sight.

"Employers need to take advantage of the currently favourable recruitment climate to invest in upskilling their business and its people.”

If you are looking to apply for a new role, Key Appointments have put together these top ten tips to help:

1. So many CVs we see have basic spelling errors – ask a friend to proof read your CV before sending it out
2. Your CV should be clear, concise and should most importantly include accurate employment dates – yes even months
3. Have you spoken to your friends and family about the type of work you are looking for? Spread the word
4. Your personal statement should be tailored to show how you match elements of the job specification
5. Really analyse your past experience and generalise how your skills could relate to various types of positions
6. Practice makes perfect when applying for jobs. Treat each application as a move in the right direction
7. Make sure you include your full contact details at the top of your CV – make it easy to find for an employer!
8. If you know the company name of the role you are applying for then please research the company before applying
9. Read the job description carefully –‘essentials’ are not listed to be ignored – do you match the requirements?
10. Work smarter not harder! Don’t apply for every job– target your applications for roles that suit your skills

See more at: http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hro/news/1146639/unemployment-biggest-annual-fall-1988#sthash.1HWjxkih.dpuf