Guernsey unemployment levels equal 15-year high

Unemployment levels equalled a 15-year high in January, according to figures from Guernsey's Social Security Department.

A total of 435 were registered out of work at the end of month, a rise of 35 compared with a year earlier.

This equals the number unemployed in June and is three more than in April.

There has been a upward trend in unemployment since November 2011, which coincides with the announcement of the end of tax relief on exports to the UK.

The end of Low Value Consignment Relief, which allowed goods valued under £15 to be sent VAT free, has led to a number of businesses leaving the island or reducing in size.

The department said the figures meant 1.3% of the working population was unemployed.

In Alderney 16 people were registered as unemployed.