Public concern about unemployment increases with the rate of joblessness

Ipsos's monthly Issues Index shows that three in ten respondents (30%) are concerned about unemployment, a five point increase on last month and the highest level of concern measured since December 1998. This comes after the release of ONS figures showing the number of unemployed at 2.435 million - the highest figure since 1995. Please see the below chart.

Despite public concerns about job loss, the economy remains the most important issue facing the country today. Over half (54%) place it amongst the most important issues, a similar percentage to the number who cited this issue160in June and July160(54% and 55% respectively).160 The public are also more concerned about crime than unemployment. This measure has seen an eight point increase since July - a third (32%) now see crime as amongst the most important issues.

A160quarter (25%) are concerned about race relations/immigration, although public concern about this issue has been dropping over the past three months.

In the month in which the 200th British soldier was killed in Afghanistan, 17% of the public are concerned about defence/foreign affairs, a three point drop since July.

• Download the August Issues Index topline
• Download the August Issues Index charts
• Download the August Data tabulations

Technical note Ipsos's Issues Index is conducted monthly and provides an overview of the key issues concerning the country. The questions are open ended. Ipsos interviewed a representative quota sample of160978 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain. Interviews were conducted face-to-face between 13th -18th160August 2009. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population.