Seems to be the start of a trend

Here’s the change in the number of people on the job seeker support (DOLE) benefit for the last five years:

• June 14 to June 15 -3,059
• June 15 to June 16 -118
• June 16 to June 17 +822
• June 17 to June 18 +3,737
• June 18 to June 19 +13,720

So in the three years to June 17 the numbers fell by around 2,000 and in the two years since they increased by over 17,000 or a massive 15%.

Now unemployment remains at a record low. So why such a huge increase in people on the dole? Could it be related to Labour getting rid of or watering down sanctions for stuff such as not turning up to job interviews?