Unemployment figures The latest unemployment figures show the number of people out of work rose by 80,000 to 2.51 million in the three months to July 2011. Neil Carberry, CBI Director for Employment Policy, said: ‘This rise in unemployment is troubling, particularly the growing number of young people out of work. With one in five 16-24 year olds currently unemployed, tackling youth unemployment must be a priority. Businesses are eager to play their part through apprenticeships, training and work placements, but now the government must do all it can to create the right conditions for the private sector to create much-needed jobs.’    Internet link:    Press release back