Facts
The Office for National Statistics data showed manufacturing output rose 1.3% on the month in February, almost twice as fast as economists' 0.7% forecasts and more than reversing January's 1% fall. The wider ONS measure of industrial production, which includes energy production, was up 1% on the month, twice as high as expected.
There were 2.50 million people classed as unemployed in the three months to February, an increase of 43,000, the highest since 3 months to December 1994, the ONS said.
There were 30.75 million workforce jobs in December 2009, down 119,000 over the quarter and down 533,000 on a year earlier. The sector showing the largest decrease in jobs over the quarter was distribution, hotels and restaurants which fell by 62,000.
Unite is calling on the government to support UK manufacturing and the UK car sector. The case for helping Britain's car industry is straight-forward. It is by-and-large profitable with strong product. Instead the industry is on the ropes because of market collapse, particularly for the sort of high-value vehicles produced by Jaguar and Land Rover, but that demand will recover when the world economy starts to move forward once more. And when it does, Britain needs to have its iconic brands in place to respond. That means keeping factories open and our skilled workforce in employment. Anything else means that the demand will be met from other countries and at least 70,000 manufacturing jobs will be gone for good.*
The unemployment rate was 7.9% for the three months ending October 2009 - a 13 year high.
* taken from Unite's website Campaigns section. For further information visit: www.unitetheunion.com
Recent job losses in the UK
April - 1700 jobs
The Faith shoe chain goes into administration with more than 1700 jobs at risk.
April - 230 jobs
More than 230 employees at Ethinic Cuisine face redundancy following the Asian ready meal producer for Sainsburys announces closure.
March - 1100 jobs
1100 jobs are at risk as rail contractor, Jarvis, goes into administration.
March - 1000 jobs
Shell says another 1000 staff will be axed by end of 2011, it pledges to ramp up oil production.
March - 400 jobs
Kraft's decision to shut Cadbury's Keynsham Plant shocks union leaders and politicians, forcing the 400 workers to find alternative employment.
