According to official findings released this morning by the Office for National Statistics, unemployment increased by 88,000 to 2.47 million in the three months prior to August, from the previous three months. The jobless now stands at rate 7.9%, increasing from 7.6%.
And the number claiming jobseekers allowance now numbers 1.63 million - an increase of 20,800. This is the highest level since 1997, but the rise has been slowest since May 2008.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "These figures give some cause for hope that the recent rapid rises in unemployment are beginning to slow.
"But the jobs crisis has not gone away and the economy remains very fragile. The number of people unemployed for more than six months is now well over one million.
"Of particular concern are the 381,000 young people who have been out of work for more than six months. These long periods of joblessness can wreck a career before it's barely begun and the Government is right to treat this as a national emergency."
Samantha Weston, head of resourcing at Grant Thornton, added: "Large-scale youth unemployment will be one of the legacies of this recession. The cost to young people is particularly great as long periods of unemployment can have an effect on their career.
"Young people who are currently unemployed should try to use the time to gain skills that will help when applying for jobs. Internships are a great way to gain practical work experience, but it is important to check that you will get the chance to learn useful skills and not just provide free labour for the company. Look for placements that provide the opportunity to gain leadership and team-working skills."
