In the 15-64 age group, the jobless rate was 10.7pc in September-November, also smaller than the 10.9pc in the August-October period. The rate was 10.8pc a year earlier. The jobless rate rose for the first time in the August-October period since January-March when it reached 11.6pc in the 15-74 age group and 11.7pc in the 15-64 age group. The number of unemployed in the 15-74 age group averaged 460,300 in September-November, down from 468,000 in August-October, but up on 459,700 a year earlier. The number of employed within the same age group also rose to 3,869,900 from 3,863,400 in August-October and was also up compared to 3,827,900 a year earlier. The jobless number in the 15-64 age group decreased to 460,000 in September-November from 467,600 in August-October, but was up on 459,300 a year ago. The employed numbered 3,834,700, up from 3,828,200 in August-October and 3,796,400 a year ago. The activity rate in both age groups, at 56.4pc in the 15-74 age group and 63.5pc for the 15-64 age group, was flat from August-October, and grew from 55.8pc and 62.9pc, respectively in September-November 2010. 15- to 24-year-olds accounted for 17pc in September-November after 17.6pc in August-October. The unemployment rate in this age group was 26.1pc, the same as a year earlier. The jobless rate for the most active, 25-54 age group was 9.7pc in September-November, the same as a year earlier. About 46.9pc of the unemployed have been seeking jobs for a period of one year or longer, less than the 47.9pc in August-October. The average period of unemployment was 17.3 months, also less than the 17.7 months in August-October. Average unemployment 2010 was 11.2pc, after 10.0p in 2009. The rate rose from a low of 7.5pc in the summer of 2008 to peak at 11.8pc in the first months of 2010. The jobless rate dropped to 10.8pc by autumn 2010, but rose again late 2010 before a decline started early last year.