Link to the article
Last Modified: 31 Jan 2009
By: Carl Dinnen
Gordon Brown may have been insisting in Davos he was confident about Britain's economic future - but is anyone else?
PY Gerbeau, a French businessman and eternal optimist, tells Channel 4 News it's in the British national character to always see the glass as half empty. But if Britain badly needs to regain some confidence where can we get it?
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Friday, 30 January 2009
Strikers put Brown's promise of 'British jobs' to the test
Link to article at Channel 4
Last Modified: 30 Jan 2009
By: Siobhan Kennedy
'British jobs for British workers' Gordon Brown promised last year. But the phrase looked increasingly meaningless as ministers admitted nothing could be done to favour them, and warned against any moves to protectionism.
In Lincolnshire, where the dispute started over foreign workers on a construction site, unions and contractors are to meet at the conciliation service Acas.
Krishnan Guru-Murthy spoke to the Minister for Employment Relations Pat McFadden. He put to him that given European law he would have to tell the strikers they were wrong.
Last Modified: 30 Jan 2009
By: Siobhan Kennedy
'British jobs for British workers' Gordon Brown promised last year. But the phrase looked increasingly meaningless as ministers admitted nothing could be done to favour them, and warned against any moves to protectionism.
In Lincolnshire, where the dispute started over foreign workers on a construction site, unions and contractors are to meet at the conciliation service Acas.
Krishnan Guru-Murthy spoke to the Minister for Employment Relations Pat McFadden. He put to him that given European law he would have to tell the strikers they were wrong.
Debate: What do the protests really tell us?
Link to the article
Emily Maitlis is joined by Lord Brittan, Former European Commissioner, Brendan Barber, Secretary General of the TUC, and Daniel Hannan, Conservative MEP to discuss the significance of the French protests.
Emily Maitlis is joined by Lord Brittan, Former European Commissioner, Brendan Barber, Secretary General of the TUC, and Daniel Hannan, Conservative MEP to discuss the significance of the French protests.
The unravelling of the Eurozone?
Link to the article
More than a million people took to the streets of France on Thursday in the first violent protest of the current global recession. Paul Mason examines how much the single currency has to do with these economic crises.
More than a million people took to the streets of France on Thursday in the first violent protest of the current global recession. Paul Mason examines how much the single currency has to do with these economic crises.
Brown: protectionism hurts prosperity
Link to article at Channel 4
Last Modified: 30 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The prime minister's speech at Davos warns against protectionism, which he says could have a huge impact on prosperity in every part of the world.
Gordon Brown, in Switzerland at the World Economic Forum, said he understood people's worries about jobs and employment.
Last Modified: 30 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The prime minister's speech at Davos warns against protectionism, which he says could have a huge impact on prosperity in every part of the world.
Gordon Brown, in Switzerland at the World Economic Forum, said he understood people's worries about jobs and employment.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
German jobless totals rise again
Link to article and video report at Euronews
In another sign that Europe’s largest economy is in a deep recession, German unemployment rose in January for the third straight month. It was the biggest increase in nearly four years.
As the Federal Labour Office statistics were released economists predicted further significant jobless rises.
The headline total in Germany – which is not adjusted for seasonal factors – rose by 387,000 to almost 3.5 million. The Berlin government only recently predicted that total would not be reached until the end of this year.
That is 8.3 percent of the working population.
The figures have political significance with a national election due in September.
The Employment Minister Olaf Scholz, said: “It is very clear that the worldwide crisis is effecting the German job market. Looking at the figures, you can see a better trend than in the past few years. Nevertheless, it is quite obvious that unemployment is on the rise because of the economic problems that we’re seeing right now.”
German companies are slashing jobs in response to the deepening recession as demand falls for their goods and services.
People frightened of losing their jobs are delaying making major purchases, like cars; vehicle sales are predicted to fall 6.5 percent this year.
Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW have suspended production, cancelled shifts and shortened working hours.
In another sign that Europe’s largest economy is in a deep recession, German unemployment rose in January for the third straight month. It was the biggest increase in nearly four years.
As the Federal Labour Office statistics were released economists predicted further significant jobless rises.
The headline total in Germany – which is not adjusted for seasonal factors – rose by 387,000 to almost 3.5 million. The Berlin government only recently predicted that total would not be reached until the end of this year.
That is 8.3 percent of the working population.
The figures have political significance with a national election due in September.
The Employment Minister Olaf Scholz, said: “It is very clear that the worldwide crisis is effecting the German job market. Looking at the figures, you can see a better trend than in the past few years. Nevertheless, it is quite obvious that unemployment is on the rise because of the economic problems that we’re seeing right now.”
German companies are slashing jobs in response to the deepening recession as demand falls for their goods and services.
People frightened of losing their jobs are delaying making major purchases, like cars; vehicle sales are predicted to fall 6.5 percent this year.
Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW have suspended production, cancelled shifts and shortened working hours.
Darling ducks out as dark clouds hang over 'downturn Davos'
Link to article
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
Fears of protectionism, global instability and the failure of politicians to cope haunt those gathered at the economic summit in Davos.
There were plenty more warnings for western leaders at Davos today. India's trade minister joined the head of the world trade body, urging countries not to safeguard their own national interests and jobs at the expense of others.
Little wonder perhaps that the Chancellor Alastair Darling has just cancelled his plans to attend.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
Fears of protectionism, global instability and the failure of politicians to cope haunt those gathered at the economic summit in Davos.
There were plenty more warnings for western leaders at Davos today. India's trade minister joined the head of the world trade body, urging countries not to safeguard their own national interests and jobs at the expense of others.
Little wonder perhaps that the Chancellor Alastair Darling has just cancelled his plans to attend.
Money transfers hit by low pound
Link to article
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2009
By: Ben King
The pound has been at a record low against other world currencies - and that is affecting the people who send money to their families in the developing world.
Money is often sent home to help with school fees, building costs or medical expenses.
It is worth more than three times the value of world aid spending - but families in Britain are finding that their pounds buy considerably less money for their families abroad than it did six months ago.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2009
By: Ben King
The pound has been at a record low against other world currencies - and that is affecting the people who send money to their families in the developing world.
Money is often sent home to help with school fees, building costs or medical expenses.
It is worth more than three times the value of world aid spending - but families in Britain are finding that their pounds buy considerably less money for their families abroad than it did six months ago.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Credit crunch takes the shine off Davos
Link to article
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The Davos summit has traditionally been a gathering of the world's wealthy elite. Faisal Islam reports on how fears of long-term recession has changed all that.
Bankers, ministers, glitzy parties - in these challenging times, they are all thin on the ground at the global economic summit in Davos.
The four-day gathering of the world's business and political elite kicked off today at the exclusive Swiss ski resort.
But it is looking very different this year, with fears of a long-term recession and confidence in the future reaching a new low.
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The Davos summit has traditionally been a gathering of the world's wealthy elite. Faisal Islam reports on how fears of long-term recession has changed all that.
Bankers, ministers, glitzy parties - in these challenging times, they are all thin on the ground at the global economic summit in Davos.
The four-day gathering of the world's business and political elite kicked off today at the exclusive Swiss ski resort.
But it is looking very different this year, with fears of a long-term recession and confidence in the future reaching a new low.
Britain 'bottom of the economy league'
Link to article
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2009
By: Siobhan Kennedy
The British economy is set to shrink faster than any other in the developing world, according to the International Monetary Fund. Siobhan Kennedy reports
The IMF's World Economic Outlook report says world economic growth will fall to a near standstill this year - the worst forecast for 60 years. And it warns Britain will be the hardest hit of all.
The Conservatives said it showed the "true cost of Gordon Brown's failure" but the prime minister insisted he was taking the right action to get Britain through the global recession
Interview: Kenneth Clarke
Krishnan Guru-Murphy interviews the shadow business secretary Ken Clarke.
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2009
By: Siobhan Kennedy
The British economy is set to shrink faster than any other in the developing world, according to the International Monetary Fund. Siobhan Kennedy reports
The IMF's World Economic Outlook report says world economic growth will fall to a near standstill this year - the worst forecast for 60 years. And it warns Britain will be the hardest hit of all.
The Conservatives said it showed the "true cost of Gordon Brown's failure" but the prime minister insisted he was taking the right action to get Britain through the global recession
Interview: Kenneth Clarke
Krishnan Guru-Murphy interviews the shadow business secretary Ken Clarke.
Why one country's rescue package could be another's ruin
Link to the article
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
As the world's economic and political leaders prepare to meet in Davos for the World Economic Forum, Faisal Islam looks at the downside of bailouts.
It's Pascal Lamy's responsibility to prevent the severe recession now affecting two-thirds of the world economy turning to a depression.
His organisation, the World Trade Organisation, is an "insurance policy against the 1930s" he says.
I have wondered for some time what the world's high priests of globalisation have thought about the bailouts of banks, insurers, car companies, and in France, even the newspapers.
It's the world's biggest rescue act - right across the globe, governments are bailing out businesses.
Supposedly free market politicians are pumping their taxpayers' cash in to the private sector. But when does industrial rescue become unfair protectionism and is this leading to a 1930s-style trade war?
"If you look at that from the side of developing countries who, by definition, cannot afford big bailout packages simply because they don't have the money - let's not make a system [that] we have been trying, in recent years, to make more development friendly, let's not make it development adverse," Lamy says.
The fear is that developing countries may resort to straightforward tariff barriers if they can not protect their industries with actual bailouts.
So far Lamy says he only sees "small waves" of protectionism. It's important to remember that WTO rules allow a bit of wiggle room for countries in a downturn.
The problem is that as bailouts fail to boost economies, or those bailouts begin to have a protectionist tinge, small waves can start to turn in to a rather large swell.
One country's rescue package can be another's ruin.
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
As the world's economic and political leaders prepare to meet in Davos for the World Economic Forum, Faisal Islam looks at the downside of bailouts.
It's Pascal Lamy's responsibility to prevent the severe recession now affecting two-thirds of the world economy turning to a depression.
His organisation, the World Trade Organisation, is an "insurance policy against the 1930s" he says.
I have wondered for some time what the world's high priests of globalisation have thought about the bailouts of banks, insurers, car companies, and in France, even the newspapers.
It's the world's biggest rescue act - right across the globe, governments are bailing out businesses.
Supposedly free market politicians are pumping their taxpayers' cash in to the private sector. But when does industrial rescue become unfair protectionism and is this leading to a 1930s-style trade war?
"If you look at that from the side of developing countries who, by definition, cannot afford big bailout packages simply because they don't have the money - let's not make a system [that] we have been trying, in recent years, to make more development friendly, let's not make it development adverse," Lamy says.
The fear is that developing countries may resort to straightforward tariff barriers if they can not protect their industries with actual bailouts.
So far Lamy says he only sees "small waves" of protectionism. It's important to remember that WTO rules allow a bit of wiggle room for countries in a downturn.
The problem is that as bailouts fail to boost economies, or those bailouts begin to have a protectionist tinge, small waves can start to turn in to a rather large swell.
One country's rescue package can be another's ruin.
No blank cheque for car industry
Last Modified: 27 Jan 2009
By: Siobhan Kennedy
The government will provide guarantees of up to £1.3bn to the car manufacturers, but Lord Mandelson warns it is not a bailout.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said he was not offering struggling firms a blank cheque. But the cash would unlock £1.3bn of loans from Europe to fund investment in eco-friendly vehicles.
The Conservatives dismissed the package as "pretty small beer", while union leaders said it was a fraction of the support being offered elsewhere in Europe.
Lord Mandelson
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson joins Jon Snow from Westminster.
'Beware protectionism' says WTO head
Link to article
Last Modified: 27 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The head of the World Trade Organisation exclusively warns this programme that anti-globalisation forces stalk the recession.
Go it alone policies won't solve the world's economic crisis, they'll just make it worse.
That is the warning from Pascal Lamy, the man in charge of defending the world's free trade system.
Speaking exclusively to Channel 4 News, he raised concerns about the string of car and bank bailouts around the world, as they could mark the beginning of a return to protectionism.
And he's waiting to see whether President Obama will be as committed to free trade as previous American administrations.
Exclusive interview: Pascal Lamy
Last Modified: 27 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The head of the World Trade Organisation exclusively warns this programme that anti-globalisation forces stalk the recession.
Go it alone policies won't solve the world's economic crisis, they'll just make it worse.
That is the warning from Pascal Lamy, the man in charge of defending the world's free trade system.
Speaking exclusively to Channel 4 News, he raised concerns about the string of car and bank bailouts around the world, as they could mark the beginning of a return to protectionism.
And he's waiting to see whether President Obama will be as committed to free trade as previous American administrations.
Exclusive interview: Pascal Lamy
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Corus cuts jobs as orders fall 40 per cent
Link to article
Last Modified: 26 Jan 2009
By: Darshna Soni
Steel giant Corus says it is cutting 3,500 jobs around the world, 2,500 of them in Britain.
One union described the move as "a body blow to UK manufacturing".
What survived of British Steel after the last recession became Corus, now owned by the Indian conglomerate Tata.
It says orders globally are down by up to 40 per cent and it must make efficiency savings in the face of falling demand.
One of the worst hit areas is Wales with over 1,000 job losses, 600 of them at steel mill in Llanwern.
A further 1,400 jobs are to go at other UK sites, including 108 at Wednesbury in the West Midlands, 93 in Scunthorpe, 61 at Wolverhampton and 713 in Rotherham in Yorkshire.
Last Modified: 26 Jan 2009
By: Darshna Soni
Steel giant Corus says it is cutting 3,500 jobs around the world, 2,500 of them in Britain.
One union described the move as "a body blow to UK manufacturing".
What survived of British Steel after the last recession became Corus, now owned by the Indian conglomerate Tata.
It says orders globally are down by up to 40 per cent and it must make efficiency savings in the face of falling demand.
One of the worst hit areas is Wales with over 1,000 job losses, 600 of them at steel mill in Llanwern.
A further 1,400 jobs are to go at other UK sites, including 108 at Wednesbury in the West Midlands, 93 in Scunthorpe, 61 at Wolverhampton and 713 in Rotherham in Yorkshire.
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Jon Snow talks to Alistair Darling
Link to article
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2009
By: Jon Snow
Chancellor Alistair Darling talks to Jon Snow on the day that official government figures confirm the UK is in recession for the first time since 1991.
Gross domestic product plummeted by 1.5 per cent in the last three months of 2008, after a 0.6 per cent fall in the previous quarter.
This means economic growth has fallen two quarters in a row, which is the accepted definition of a recession.
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2009
By: Jon Snow
Chancellor Alistair Darling talks to Jon Snow on the day that official government figures confirm the UK is in recession for the first time since 1991.
Gross domestic product plummeted by 1.5 per cent in the last three months of 2008, after a 0.6 per cent fall in the previous quarter.
This means economic growth has fallen two quarters in a row, which is the accepted definition of a recession.
It's official, we're in recession
Link to article
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2009
By: Bridgid Nzekwu, Faisal Islam
It's here and it's worse than we thought. The economy shrank one and a half per cent in the last quarter. We're in recession.
You knew it, we knew it, even the dogs in the street knew it - now the official figures have confirmed it.
Britain's economy is in recession, having seen its production base decline over two consecutive quarters.
The fall of 1.5 per cent in the final quarter of last year was bigger than expected and the worst for 28 years. The figures sent the pound down again, to a 24 year low against the dollar.
Our Money Reporter, Bridgid Nzekwu reports:
Analysis: Faisal Islam
Our Economics Correspondent, Faisal Islam speaks to Carl Dinnen about the recession.
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2009
By: Bridgid Nzekwu, Faisal Islam
It's here and it's worse than we thought. The economy shrank one and a half per cent in the last quarter. We're in recession.
You knew it, we knew it, even the dogs in the street knew it - now the official figures have confirmed it.
Britain's economy is in recession, having seen its production base decline over two consecutive quarters.
The fall of 1.5 per cent in the final quarter of last year was bigger than expected and the worst for 28 years. The figures sent the pound down again, to a 24 year low against the dollar.
Our Money Reporter, Bridgid Nzekwu reports:
Analysis: Faisal Islam
Our Economics Correspondent, Faisal Islam speaks to Carl Dinnen about the recession.
How far will Britain's economy sink?
Link to article at Channel 4 News:
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
As Britain officially goes into recession the figures are worse than feared, the worst in 30 years. So just how deep could the economy sink?
You may be forgiven for thinking this had already happened, but by nine o'clock this morning it was official: Britain is in a recession.
GDP fell by 1.5 per cent between October and December last year, this follows a slump of 0.6 per cent between July and September, the biggest decline since 1980.
The conservative leader David Cameron said today "soon the money will run out" and Britain will require a financial bail out if the prime minister continues his financial recovery plan.
Friday, 23 January 2009
Britain officially in recession
Link to article and video report
It is confirmed, the UK economy is sinking deeper into the doldrums and is officially in recession for the first time in nearly 20 years.
The latest government figures show that at the end of last year GDP shrank at its fastest pace since 1980; it was down 1.5 percent.
What started as a financial crisis with banking sector turmoil has spread to the high street rippling out through the retail world and services sector bringing massive job losses and leaving many Britons bewildered.
As one man in a street surrounded by shuttered retailers said: “People come down here and see the shops closed and they think: ‘what’s happening?’ all the time, what can you do?”
One business that is booming is pawnbrokers. Rejected by the banks for loans more people are borrowing against the value of their valuables.
The UK government’s bank bailouts and other measures are supposed to thaw the credit freeze. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “We are fighting this global recession with every weapon at our disposal. And I think people will know that in addition to interest rate cuts, VAT cuts, what we’ve done for pensions and for child benefits, which have been raised, and also what we’re doing for public works (infrastructure renewal). We’re doing everything we can to take us through what is a global banking crisis.”
Coping with the stresses of the recession is going to preoccupy many Britons particularly business leaders this year and a new survey in the UK says people consider physical as well as well as mental strength to be essential.
With the economy predicted to be stuck in the mud for months to come, the recession workout has only just begun.
It is confirmed, the UK economy is sinking deeper into the doldrums and is officially in recession for the first time in nearly 20 years.
The latest government figures show that at the end of last year GDP shrank at its fastest pace since 1980; it was down 1.5 percent.
What started as a financial crisis with banking sector turmoil has spread to the high street rippling out through the retail world and services sector bringing massive job losses and leaving many Britons bewildered.
As one man in a street surrounded by shuttered retailers said: “People come down here and see the shops closed and they think: ‘what’s happening?’ all the time, what can you do?”
One business that is booming is pawnbrokers. Rejected by the banks for loans more people are borrowing against the value of their valuables.
The UK government’s bank bailouts and other measures are supposed to thaw the credit freeze. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “We are fighting this global recession with every weapon at our disposal. And I think people will know that in addition to interest rate cuts, VAT cuts, what we’ve done for pensions and for child benefits, which have been raised, and also what we’re doing for public works (infrastructure renewal). We’re doing everything we can to take us through what is a global banking crisis.”
Coping with the stresses of the recession is going to preoccupy many Britons particularly business leaders this year and a new survey in the UK says people consider physical as well as well as mental strength to be essential.
With the economy predicted to be stuck in the mud for months to come, the recession workout has only just begun.
5,000 jobs to go at Microsoft
Link to article at Channel 4
Last Modified: 22 Jan 2009
By: Benjamin Cohen
They are the first cuts in the firm's history. More4 News asks is the writing on the wall for the Windows model?
Microsoft has announced the first job cuts in its 34 year history. 5,000 staff are to go worldwide after sales of its operating systems and office suites have plummeted. Shares in the company have fallen to the lowest level in 11 years.
The company blames the economy for falling sales but is that all there is to it?
Our technology Correspondent Benjamin Cohen explains.
Last Modified: 22 Jan 2009
By: Benjamin Cohen
They are the first cuts in the firm's history. More4 News asks is the writing on the wall for the Windows model?
Microsoft has announced the first job cuts in its 34 year history. 5,000 staff are to go worldwide after sales of its operating systems and office suites have plummeted. Shares in the company have fallen to the lowest level in 11 years.
The company blames the economy for falling sales but is that all there is to it?
Our technology Correspondent Benjamin Cohen explains.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Your town and the credit crunch jobless
Link to article
Last Modified: 21 Jan 2009
By: Lewis Hannam, Bridgid Nzekwu
The number of people out of work in some towns and cities in the UK has more than doubled in the past year, Channel 4 News has found.
To see how many people have lost their jobs in your area - see our breakdown by UK constituencies:
Last Modified: 21 Jan 2009
By: Lewis Hannam, Bridgid Nzekwu
The number of people out of work in some towns and cities in the UK has more than doubled in the past year, Channel 4 News has found.
To see how many people have lost their jobs in your area - see our breakdown by UK constituencies:
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Your town and the credit crunch jobless
Link to the article
Last Modified: 21 Jan 2009
By: Lewis Hannam, Bridgid Nzekwu
The number of people out of work in some towns and cities in the UK has more than doubled in the past year, Channel 4 News has found.
Hull, Crawley, Barnsley, Bishop Auckland, the Rhondda in Wales and Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland are among the areas hardest hit by the credit crunch, research obtained from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows.
In Mid Ulster the number of people claiming unemployment benefit rose by 147 per cent between November 2007 and November 2008, from a total of 637 to 1,515.
In Barnsley, South Yorkshire, the number of people claiming rose 107 per cent in the same period, from 781 to 1,618.
According to the ONS figures obtained by Channel 4 News, the 10 areas which have suffered the biggest overall increase in the total number of people claiming unemployment benefit are:
* Kingston Upon Hull North: 1,177 more people claiming unemployment benefit
* Kingston Upon Hull East: 1,045
* Mid Ulster (Northern Ireland): 938
* East Londonderry (Northern Ireland): 938
* Halifax: 931
* Cannock Chase (Staffordshire): 906
* Upper Bann (Northern Ireland): 902
* Barnsley East & Mexborough: 897
* Kingston Upon Hull West & Hessle: 874
* Bishop Auckland (County Durham): 867
The area with the biggest increase in the unemployment rate - the percentage of the resident population who are looking for work but unable to find it - was the Rhondda, where it rose 1.7 per cent in 12 months.
Details over the areas hardest hit by the economic downturn were revealed as new nationwide unemployment figures show that the jobless total increased by 131,000 to 1.92 million between September and November.
The UK now has an unemployment rate of 6.1 per cent and the two million barrier is sure to be breached next month following a spate of job cuts since the start of the year.
The number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance increased last month by 77,900 to 1.16 million, the worst figure since 2000.
Employment Minister Tony McNulty said: "In these tough times, people need real help to find a job. That's exactly what this government is offering and every day people are finding work.
"These figures show that whilst more people are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, 231,000 have come off in the last month as people take advantage of the extra help on offer.
"The government is doing all it can to ensure economic stability for businesses, homeowners and jobseekers. The measures that we have introduced over the recent months are designed to support the recovery of the economy and ensure that people have the best support to get back into employment.
"Every person looking needs to know that there are jobs out there and we will give you the support you need to fill one of those half a million vacancies that are available right now. We will continue to ensure everyone who loses their job has access to the full range of support that Jobcentre Plus has available.
"Our message to job seekers is clear - we won't give up on you but you mustn't give up on looking for work."
Last Modified: 21 Jan 2009
By: Lewis Hannam, Bridgid Nzekwu
The number of people out of work in some towns and cities in the UK has more than doubled in the past year, Channel 4 News has found.
Hull, Crawley, Barnsley, Bishop Auckland, the Rhondda in Wales and Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland are among the areas hardest hit by the credit crunch, research obtained from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows.
In Mid Ulster the number of people claiming unemployment benefit rose by 147 per cent between November 2007 and November 2008, from a total of 637 to 1,515.
In Barnsley, South Yorkshire, the number of people claiming rose 107 per cent in the same period, from 781 to 1,618.
According to the ONS figures obtained by Channel 4 News, the 10 areas which have suffered the biggest overall increase in the total number of people claiming unemployment benefit are:
* Kingston Upon Hull North: 1,177 more people claiming unemployment benefit
* Kingston Upon Hull East: 1,045
* Mid Ulster (Northern Ireland): 938
* East Londonderry (Northern Ireland): 938
* Halifax: 931
* Cannock Chase (Staffordshire): 906
* Upper Bann (Northern Ireland): 902
* Barnsley East & Mexborough: 897
* Kingston Upon Hull West & Hessle: 874
* Bishop Auckland (County Durham): 867
The area with the biggest increase in the unemployment rate - the percentage of the resident population who are looking for work but unable to find it - was the Rhondda, where it rose 1.7 per cent in 12 months.
Details over the areas hardest hit by the economic downturn were revealed as new nationwide unemployment figures show that the jobless total increased by 131,000 to 1.92 million between September and November.
The UK now has an unemployment rate of 6.1 per cent and the two million barrier is sure to be breached next month following a spate of job cuts since the start of the year.
The number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance increased last month by 77,900 to 1.16 million, the worst figure since 2000.
Employment Minister Tony McNulty said: "In these tough times, people need real help to find a job. That's exactly what this government is offering and every day people are finding work.
"These figures show that whilst more people are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, 231,000 have come off in the last month as people take advantage of the extra help on offer.
"The government is doing all it can to ensure economic stability for businesses, homeowners and jobseekers. The measures that we have introduced over the recent months are designed to support the recovery of the economy and ensure that people have the best support to get back into employment.
"Every person looking needs to know that there are jobs out there and we will give you the support you need to fill one of those half a million vacancies that are available right now. We will continue to ensure everyone who loses their job has access to the full range of support that Jobcentre Plus has available.
"Our message to job seekers is clear - we won't give up on you but you mustn't give up on looking for work."
Unemployment 1.92 million and rising
Link to the article
Last Modified: 21 Jan 2009
By: Jane Deith
Unemployment rose to 1.92 million in November and is set to rise further, with dramatic implications for families throughout Britain.
Richard Walmsley was made redundant by the MFI furniture chain last summer and the father-of-two from Northamptonshire has been looking for work ever since.
Last month, the number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance increased by 78,000 to 1.16 million, its highest total since September 1997, the year of Labour's first landslide election victory.
This figure does not include the tens of thousands of redundancies made since then.
The employment minister has predicted more pain ahead, with the outlook for jobs likely to worsen before it improves.
But he said the government is providing help for people who lose their jobs.
Last Modified: 21 Jan 2009
By: Jane Deith
Unemployment rose to 1.92 million in November and is set to rise further, with dramatic implications for families throughout Britain.
Richard Walmsley was made redundant by the MFI furniture chain last summer and the father-of-two from Northamptonshire has been looking for work ever since.
Last month, the number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance increased by 78,000 to 1.16 million, its highest total since September 1997, the year of Labour's first landslide election victory.
This figure does not include the tens of thousands of redundancies made since then.
The employment minister has predicted more pain ahead, with the outlook for jobs likely to worsen before it improves.
But he said the government is providing help for people who lose their jobs.
Fears over banks as pound plummets
Link to article
Last Modified: 20 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The pound slumps on the foreign exchange markets to its lowest level against the dollar for seven and a half years.
The currency was undermined by renewed fears over Britain's banks.
Shares in Lloyds dropped nearly 50 per cent at one point, despite yesterday's bailout.
Last Modified: 20 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
The pound slumps on the foreign exchange markets to its lowest level against the dollar for seven and a half years.
The currency was undermined by renewed fears over Britain's banks.
Shares in Lloyds dropped nearly 50 per cent at one point, despite yesterday's bailout.
Monday, 19 January 2009
Why do we need another bailout?
Link to the article at Channel 4
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
Economics correspondent Faisal Islam talks to chancellor Alistair Darling on the morning the government announce a second plan to help the banks.
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2009
By: Faisal Islam
Economics correspondent Faisal Islam talks to chancellor Alistair Darling on the morning the government announce a second plan to help the banks.
EU youth protest economic crisis
Jan 19 - Youth protest in Central and Eastern Europe against the economic crisis, compounding resentment against their governments.
Scenes of angry youths, tear gas and bristling riot police have become increasingly familiar in a wave of protests that swept through Eastern and Central Europe in recent weeks.
Experts say they expect more violence to come, as the region is increasingly hard hit by the global financial crisis.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) REPRESENTATIVE FROM "STUDENTS AGAINST THE SYSTEM"
Link to the article: Reuters
Scenes of angry youths, tear gas and bristling riot police have become increasingly familiar in a wave of protests that swept through Eastern and Central Europe in recent weeks.
Experts say they expect more violence to come, as the region is increasingly hard hit by the global financial crisis.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) REPRESENTATIVE FROM "STUDENTS AGAINST THE SYSTEM"
Link to the article: Reuters
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Heathrow third runway causes outcry
Link to the article: Channel 4
Last Modified: 15 Jan 2009
By: Gary Gibbon, Tom Clarke
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon's approval for a third runway at Heathrow causes rowdy scenes in the Commons and outrage from environmentalists.
A controversial plan that still may never see the light of day; the government insisted that it was in the best interests of Britain, despite protests from residents and some Labour MPs.
The government says all planes using the third runway will have to meet strict noise and air pollution targets.
There is also the impact on the local community, with houses and schools having to be demolished to make way for the runway, which is expected to be operational by 2020.
Tom Clarke reports on the environmental impact
Interview: Ed Miliband, environment secretary
Interview: John Sauven, director, Greenpeace
Last Modified: 15 Jan 2009
By: Gary Gibbon, Tom Clarke
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon's approval for a third runway at Heathrow causes rowdy scenes in the Commons and outrage from environmentalists.
A controversial plan that still may never see the light of day; the government insisted that it was in the best interests of Britain, despite protests from residents and some Labour MPs.
The government says all planes using the third runway will have to meet strict noise and air pollution targets.
There is also the impact on the local community, with houses and schools having to be demolished to make way for the runway, which is expected to be operational by 2020.
Tom Clarke reports on the environmental impact
Interview: Ed Miliband, environment secretary
Interview: John Sauven, director, Greenpeace
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Extended interview: John Varley
Link to article at Channel 4
Last Modified: 14 Jan 2009
By: Jon Snow
Jon Snow interviews John Varley, the head of Britain's third biggest bank, Barclays.
Talking to Jon Snow, Chief executive of Barclays, John Varley, calls for a government "tax incentive for saving" adding that he would support a "short burst" of "judicious" quantitative easing.
Last Modified: 14 Jan 2009
By: Jon Snow
Jon Snow interviews John Varley, the head of Britain's third biggest bank, Barclays.
Talking to Jon Snow, Chief executive of Barclays, John Varley, calls for a government "tax incentive for saving" adding that he would support a "short burst" of "judicious" quantitative easing.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
BAA dismisses 'clever stunt'
Link to the article: Channel 4
Last Modified: 13 Jan 2009
By: James Blake
BAA sources tell Channel 4 News that plans are well underway for the third Heathrow runway, despite Greenpeace attempts to delay the project.
The Greenpeace purchase of a piece of land central to the expansion project has been dismissed as nothing more than a "clever stunt", and sources say it will not delay work.
This latest development comes amid last-minute political objections which may further delay the government decision.
Last Modified: 13 Jan 2009
By: James Blake
BAA sources tell Channel 4 News that plans are well underway for the third Heathrow runway, despite Greenpeace attempts to delay the project.
The Greenpeace purchase of a piece of land central to the expansion project has been dismissed as nothing more than a "clever stunt", and sources say it will not delay work.
This latest development comes amid last-minute political objections which may further delay the government decision.
Friday, 9 January 2009
Rates slashed to all-time low
Link to article
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2009
By: Bridgid Nzekwu
The Bank of England cuts interest rates by 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent, the lowest rate since the bank was founded in 1694.
Interest rates in the UK have never been lower. The Bank of England decision to cut the base rate by half a percentage point to 1.5 per cent underlines its concerns about the state of the economy.
But with the bank running out of levers to influence the economy, the prime minister and the chancellor today had to deny growing speculation that there were plans to print more money to ease the financial situation.
The cut was expected by most economic forecasters, but that does not make it any less dramatic.
The Bank of England is administering radical treatment to an economy that is sickening faster than it has done in decades. But is the medicine working?
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2009
By: Bridgid Nzekwu
The Bank of England cuts interest rates by 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent, the lowest rate since the bank was founded in 1694.
Interest rates in the UK have never been lower. The Bank of England decision to cut the base rate by half a percentage point to 1.5 per cent underlines its concerns about the state of the economy.
But with the bank running out of levers to influence the economy, the prime minister and the chancellor today had to deny growing speculation that there were plans to print more money to ease the financial situation.
The cut was expected by most economic forecasters, but that does not make it any less dramatic.
The Bank of England is administering radical treatment to an economy that is sickening faster than it has done in decades. But is the medicine working?
Base rate: how low can you go?
Link to article
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2009
By: Siobhan Kennedy
Today's 0.5 per cent cut by the Bank of England puts interest rates at their lowest since 1694 - the year Newton discovered gravity.
And the reduction indicates the gravity of today's crisis, amid signs that the government will have to find other ways to reignite bank lending and stave off the worst recession in modern history.
The widely expected base rate cut puts the country in uncharted territory. But business leaders have insisted that, regardless of the cut, it is the availability of credit that remains the vital factor in the face of deepening recession.
And their fears were underlined today by the announcement by car maker Nissan that its Sunderland car plant - the biggest and most productive in the country - is to see 1,200 jobs cut, almost one in four of the workforce there.
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2009
By: Siobhan Kennedy
Today's 0.5 per cent cut by the Bank of England puts interest rates at their lowest since 1694 - the year Newton discovered gravity.
And the reduction indicates the gravity of today's crisis, amid signs that the government will have to find other ways to reignite bank lending and stave off the worst recession in modern history.
The widely expected base rate cut puts the country in uncharted territory. But business leaders have insisted that, regardless of the cut, it is the availability of credit that remains the vital factor in the face of deepening recession.
And their fears were underlined today by the announcement by car maker Nissan that its Sunderland car plant - the biggest and most productive in the country - is to see 1,200 jobs cut, almost one in four of the workforce there.
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