THE NUMBER of economically inactive people in this country is now at a worryingly high level.

Rising unemployment, is of course always a huge concern and with 2.5 million people now out of work, the figures are at a 16-year high.

But, coupled with the rising numbers of economically inactive people, such as those unable to work because they are caring for sick relatives or they are students, or have taken early retirement, the figures are staggering. According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics, one in five people of working age in this country are now economically inactive.

In other words they are not contributing to the economy at all and that has to be a major concern not just for political parties, but for all of us.

What is also of concern is that one of the few growth areas in jobs has been in the public sector and we all know that is unsustainable.

The rise in the number of unemployed was of course predictable.

In fact, it is more than likely that the numbers will continue an upward trend in coming months as the effects of the recession work their way through the economy.

Of course the figures have been jumped on by all parties trying to make political capital in the run up to next month's general Election.

But one thing is certain and that is that for any incoming government, no matter what their political hue, getting Britain back to work will have to be the number one priority.

Any other reforms or policy changes will have to wait until the economy is back on solid ground and our view is that that could take some time.