Eurozone unemployment has leapt to its highest for a decade as the recession takes an increasing toll.

Seasonally adjusted joblessness in the 16-country region rose from 8.9 per cent of the labour force in March to 9.2 per cent in April – the highest since September 1999, according to Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical office. In April 2008 the unemployment rate was 7.3 per cent.