The figures for UK unemployment has hit 8.1% , the highest for 17 years, with close to 1 million young people (16-24) unable to find a job.

Another 114,000 people joined the ranks of the unemployed during the period June to August and again questions are asked over the severity of the Government's ongoing austerity programme, that has seen so many public sector bodies reduced in size.

This figure was also inflated by 74,000 older workers (over 65) released in advance of changes in the employment law from October 1st, when it will be against the law to dismiss employees on the grounds of age.

Sad statistics indeed.