The graph illustrates the percentage of the British unemployed people between May 2003 and July 2006. It represents the unemployment rate for people who are older than 16 years old.
Overall, the rate of unemployment in the UK ranged between 4.8% and 5.7% in the period given. The percentage decreased slightly in the first half of the period and then increased sharply and reached a peak at the end of the period.
In terms of the first months, the rate was approximately 5.1% in May 2003. Although it had risen slightly in the next month by 1%, there was a steady downward trend to 4.8% in September 2004. Moreover, it stayed at the same level in the following months.
On the other hand, the percentage fluctuated in the period between March 2005 and September 2005. In addition, it rose markedly from 4.8% in October 2005 to 5.2% in November 2005. Furthermore, the rate increased sharply to reach a peak of 5.7% at the end of the period.
