The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has commented on the latest ONS labour market data for the three months to May 2015, showing that unemployment rose by 15,000 and employment fell by 67,000 to 30.98 million – the first fall in two years.
Neil Carberry, CBI director for employment and skills, said: “While it is disappointing to see that employment has fallen, this is largely due to reductions among those self-employed.
“This fall must be seen against the backdrop of strong employment growth since the end of 2013, so it is far too early to draw conclusions. Nevertheless, it offers a timely reminder of the importance of Government treading carefully in the labour market and protecting the flexibility that gives Britain a great record on jobs.”
Across the UK, the CBI speaks on behalf of 190,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors which together employ nearly 7 million people, about one third of the private sector-employed workforce. With offices in the UK as well as representation in Brussels, Washington, Beijing and Delhi, the CBI communicates the British business voice around the world.
