Investing.com – The number of Britons claiming unemployment benefits dropped at a faster than expected rate in April, official data showed on Wednesday.
Britain's statistics agency said the number decreased by 27,100 between March and April 2010 to reach 1.52 million, after a drop of 32,700 in March, whose figure was revised from 32,900.
Economists had expected a more modest decrease of 20,100 in April.
The number of claimants of up to six months duration fell by 29,200 on the month to reach 923,800 while the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for over twelve months increased by 10,700 between March and April to reach 253,000, the agency said.
Following the release of the data, sterling was up against the U.S. dollar, with GBP/USD gaining 0.42% to reach 1.5017.
Britain's statistics agency said the number decreased by 27,100 between March and April 2010 to reach 1.52 million, after a drop of 32,700 in March, whose figure was revised from 32,900.
Economists had expected a more modest decrease of 20,100 in April.
The number of claimants of up to six months duration fell by 29,200 on the month to reach 923,800 while the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for over twelve months increased by 10,700 between March and April to reach 253,000, the agency said.
Following the release of the data, sterling was up against the U.S. dollar, with GBP/USD gaining 0.42% to reach 1.5017.