Youth unemployment has now reached almost 20 per cent, the latest unemployment figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show.

In total, the number of people out of work rose by 30,000 in the third quarter of this year, but the jobless rate is highest among the 16 to 24 age group which includes many recent graduates, standing at 19.8 per cent.

Almost two and a half million people are now looking for work, although many people are currently working part time or on a temporary basis when they would rather be employed full-time.

The continued growth in unemployment emphasises the importance of careers advice, which can make a real difference in such a challenging jobs market. Professional qualifications can also help to set candidates apart from the pack.

Earlier this week, high-street Lloyds Banking Group announced that it is shedding 5,000 jobs, around half among temporary staff and mainly in its IT and insurance operations.

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