Monthly job losses worst for 16 years

UNEMPLOYMENT figures will continue to rise, experts warned yesterday as figures showed almost 600 people started signing on the dole every working day last month.

By the end of June, nearly 12,000 more people were claiming assistance than at the beginning of the month. Taking seasonal factors into account including the usual lay off of temporary workers in schools and colleges there were an additional 4,800 people out of work.

The rise is the worst monthly increase for over 16 years.