P.M. BRIEFING : British Joblessness Up Sharply
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LONDON — British unemployment showed its biggest monthly jump since 1986 in October, rising above 1.7 million and bringing more bad news for embattled Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Government figures released today showed the jobless line longer by 32,200 at 1,702,700, or 6% of the work force.
Economic troubles are among the reasons Thatcher’s popularity has waned, leading to a current bid to unseat her by former Defense Minister Michael Heseltine.
After declining for four years, the number of jobless turned up again in March and Employment Secretary Michael Howard said the rise is likely to continue before Christmas.
British unemployment remains lower than in Spain, Ireland, Italy, France, Denmark, Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands.
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