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The number of people with salaried employment has increased for the third consecutive month despite a greater misery of blockade for the economy, according to official figures.
Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed an increase of 68,000 last month.
But the numbers also uncovered the cost of people’s livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic to date, with a total reduced by 693,000 since February 2020, the month before the restrictions of the first crisis were imposed, forcing much of the economy into hibernation.
The ONS report showed that it is young people who continue to pay the highest price, representing 61% of those who have lost salaried employment during the crisis.
It amounted to 437,000 people between the ages of 16 and 24.
Sam Beckett, head of economic statistics at ONS, said: “After another monthly increase, there were almost 200,000 more employees on payroll in February than three months earlier, although it is still almost 700,000 fewer since the start of the pandemic.
“Of the decline since then, almost two-thirds has been among those under 25, more than half has been in hospitality and almost a third has been in London.”
A separate report on Monday had warned of the risk of “scars” for younger workers without additional government support to help them return to the workplace.
The broader ONS figures covering the three months through January also painted a picture of resilience in the face of continued disruption, driven by renewed government support and the ability of businesses to adapt.
They showed an unexpected drop in the UK unemployment rate to 5% from 5.1% the previous month.
Analysts had expected a slight increase due to the effect of a third lockdown for England, which began at the beginning of the month.
Average wage growth rose to 4.8%, a new high from March 2008.
The ONS said it reflected two factors: a high level of bonuses, but also the impact of job losses in low-paid sectors such as retail and hospitality.
They also revealed a decline in the number of vacancies in the economy amid continued uncertainty over the next several months.
Business groups reacted to the figures saying that government support, including extending the licensing plan until the end of September, had helped prevent unemployment from rising further.
Currently, the taxpayer maintains around five million jobs.
But there was widespread concern about the impact on young people, and the CBI called for an extension of the Kick start scheme.
Foreign Minister Rishi Sunak said of the ONS figures: “The coronavirus has caused one of the biggest labor market shocks this country has ever faced, so protecting, supporting and creating jobs has been my focus during this crisis.
“We have taken decisive action with a support package of £ 352 billion.
“The continued success of the vaccine launch gives us hope for the future, and through our Employment Plan, we will continue to support people for months to come.”
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