Jersey unemployment rises.

The number of jobless in Jersey has doubled over the past year.

There were more than 1,000 people registered as unemployed at the end of February, compared to 500 people 12 months earlier.

And at the end of last year there were fewer jobs available than at any point in the past decade.

Figures released by the States statistics unit show that rising unemployment began to hit Jersey at the start of 2009.

In the first six months of 2008, registered unemployment stood at about 400. But in January 2009 the figure rose to 840 and swelled to 1,020 by the end of February.

The February figures represent less than two per cent of the total workforce.

The chances of islanders getting work seem to be falling too. The number of posts vacant at the end of December last year was just over 2,100. That was the lowest level for over a decade and 700 fewer than 12 months earlier.

It has been confirmed that measures to try to combat rising unemployment will be revealed by treasury minister Philip Ozouf during April. He will outline the fiscal stimulus package that will help people get into work and support those who cannot find jobs.