The data also showed that the number of women out of work increased by 43, 000 to 1.09 million, the highest level since February 1988.

BBC: Bank of England sees 'worsened' economic outlook

They said December 2009 and January and February this year were 2C colder than for the same period in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

BBC: Cold and election 'hampered Highland Council CO2 aims'