Eurozone job crisis - Europe’s idle millions

Even articulating the fact that 17m people are out of work in the eurozone is chilling.

This is a tremendous number of people and represents one of the greatest challenges faced by the common currency countries.

This represents 10.8% of Europe’s workforce, slightly more than two thirds of our 14.3% rate.

Eurozone unemployment is at its highest level in 15 years and predictions suggest the figure will continue to rise.

February’s figures reflected the 10th straight monthly rise and contrasts sharply with the United States, where job numbers have grown since late last year.

These contrasting trends will undoubtedly re-energise the debate between those who would cut government spending and those who believe that government spending stimulates growth.

That nearly four times our population are out of work across the EU puts our debt crisis in context.