A total of one of four people are not working as the latest effects of the Covid pandemic hits home.
The latest lockdown meant more people were added to the country’s unemployment total.
New figures released today show that 25pc of the workforce are not working when those impacted by the pandemic are included.
The standard unemployment rate which does not include those on the payment has not changed since December, at 5.8%.
There are more men than women out of work at 25.9% compared with 24.1%.
The unemployment rate for young people between 15 and 24 is 56.4% compared with 21.4% for those between 25 and 74.
However, at least 8% of those on PUP are attending full-time education.
The unemployment rate rose to 25% in January from 19.4pc in December.
