the west midlands replace them. the west midlands has the replace them. the west midlands has the highest unemployment rate of the highest unemployment rate of any area in the the highest unemployment rate of any area in the uk, 10%. there was any area in the uk, 10%. there was a slight fall offer any area in the uk, 10%. there was a slight fall offer the latest a slight fall offer the latest three-month period. a slight fall offer the latest three-month period. nationally three-month period. nationally there are 2.46 three-month period. nationally there are 2.46 million out of there are 2.46 million out of work,, a rise there are 2.46 million out of work,, a rise of 30,000 over the a rise of 30,000 over the three months, but a rise of 30,000 over the three months, but a much smaller increase months, but a much smaller increase than those recorded than those recorded for much of the recession. than those recorded for much of the recession. this recession. this recruitment agency is recession. this recruitment agency is more optimistic, it is more optimist