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mpc: 23 Since the fourth quarter of 2004, there had been a significant rise in the labour force participation rate together with a gradual increase in the unemployment rate. In contrast, during the two previous large cyclical increases in unemployment, the participation rate had fallen, reflecting discouraged worker effects. Labour force participation rates among women and older workers had been steadily increasing, perhaps prompted by changes in the fiscal regime, social custom or a greater need to save for retirement. The Committee noted that recently the proportion of the unemployed in the 18-24 age group had risen.