Accountants on the dole: new figures show surge in benefit claimants

The number of accountants claiming unemployment benefit has soared by 142% in the past year, although the profession appears to weathering the downturn better than lawyers.

In February, 1,405 chartered and certified accountants claimed the Jobseeker's Allowance, compared with 580 a year earlier, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics.

Claims from management accountants, also rose by about 142% to 1,020.

Management consultant claims rose 113% to 1,430, while the number of solicitors and lawyers claiming up to a maximum of £101 per week in unemployment benefit jumped 316% to 1,540.

Software programmers made the greatest amount of claims overall (4,990 in February compared with 2,880 a year earlier).

However, architects have been hardest hit among the professions – their claims have risen by 730%.