The UK unemployment rate has risen to 4.5%, the highest level in three years, as the pandemic continues to hit jobs. The figure came on Tuesday from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and shows the rise in unemployment in the three months to August. The previous rate was 4.1%. Layoffs also rose to their highest level since 2009.The ONS said an estimated 1.5 million people were unemployed between June and August, while 227,000 were made redundant. There has been a sharp rise in the number of people out of work, particularly among young people.Sectors such as hospitality, travel and recruitment have been hit hard and the pain persists as local restrictions force pubs, bars and other hospitality and leisure businesses in England to close in the most infectious areas. This will lead to further job losses and the unemployment rate could rise much higher by the end of this year. Sectors such as hospitality, travel and recruitment have been hit hard and the pain will persist as local restrictions force aThe published data and uncertainty over the Brexit outlook had an immediate impact on the British pound, which fell against the dollar, yen, Canadian dollar and also the Swiss franc. The GBPUSD pair fell sharply from the 1.3065 level and found support only on Wednesday morning at the 1.2860 level. A reaction and a contrary price move could test resistance levels around 1.2964 - 1.2983 or 1.3010. These levels converge with the Fibonacci levels of 50 - 61.8 and 78.6. In the event of a break of today's lows, the rate could find first support at around 1.2822 - 1.2846.pubs, bars and other pubs and leisure venues in England are closing in the most infectious areas. This will lead to further job losses and the unemployment rate could rise much higher by the end of this year.