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Number of jobseeker benefit claims reaches 1.39 million

New figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that the number of people claiming unemployment benefits is increasing.

Statistics show that in February, more than 138,000 Britons started claiming the Jobseekers Allowance, which takes the total number of claimants up to 1.39 million.

This figure is almost double that expected by economists and represents the highest monthly increase since records because in 1971.

It has also been revealed that the total number of unemployed people – including those who do not, or are not permitted to claim benefits, has reached 2.03 million.

Amit Kara, a UBS economist, said: "The picture is very grim. We're looking at a peak of 3.5 million next year."

Earlier this week, the Trades Union Congress revealed that there are now around ten jobseekers for every available position in the UK, with this figure reaching 20 in some council areas.