Joblessness to hit 3mn mark in Britain

According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) unemployment will increase from the current 2.6 million to 2.9 million at the start of next year, with the jobless rate for 18 to 24-year-olds expected to be around 23 percent.

Economic growth is likely to weaken in the second quarter of the year because of the extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, while the London Olympics might distort growth figures in the summer, the BCC reported.

The BCC downgraded its prediction for economic growth in 2012 to 0.6 percent from 0.8 percent, rising to 1.3 percent in 2013.

It called on Chancellor George Osborne to take measures in this month’s Budget to help business, including help for smaller firms trading internationally, and deregulation of the labor market.

“The UK economy faces serious challenges, with problems in the eurozone creating difficulties for exporters, combined with dampened domestic demand. With one quarter of negative growth behind us, growth will be slow in 2012, but we believe a recession will be avoided”, said John Longworth, the BCC’s director general.

“Our economic forecast underlines the need for the government to deliver a Budget that will bring confidence to businesses. Businesses up and down the country are doing their utmost to find new markets and grow their firms, despite the difficult economic challenges they face. A sustainable recovery depends on creating the right conditions to empower businesses to drive growth. Companies need the best possible environment to generate wealth and create jobs. The Government must stick to plan A, but also stimulate growth within the economy”, added the report.

MOL/JR/HE

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