Investing.com – The number of people in Britain claiming unemployment benefits fell further than expected in March, official data showed on Wednesday.
In a report, Britain's statistics agency said the number decreased by 32,900 between February and March 2010 to reach 1.54 million, after an upwardly revised fall of 40,100 in February.
Economists had expected a more modest decline in March of 6,000.
But the agency added that the U.K. unemployment rate rose to 8.0% during the three months to February 2010, higher than market expectations.
Following the release of the data, the pound was up against the U.S. dollar, with GBP/USD climbing 0.35% to hit 1.541.
In a report, Britain's statistics agency said the number decreased by 32,900 between February and March 2010 to reach 1.54 million, after an upwardly revised fall of 40,100 in February.
Economists had expected a more modest decline in March of 6,000.
But the agency added that the U.K. unemployment rate rose to 8.0% during the three months to February 2010, higher than market expectations.
Following the release of the data, the pound was up against the U.S. dollar, with GBP/USD climbing 0.35% to hit 1.541.