FTSE extends losses after US jobs miss expectations

European indices have deepened losses after US jobs figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics came in below expectations.

The 115,000 increase, the smallest since October 2011, was below consensus expectations of a 160,000 rise but was partially offset by an upwards revision in March figures from 120,000 to 154,000. February figures were also revised up from 240,000 to 259,000. The unemployment rate dipped fractionally from 8.2% to 8.1%, the BLS said. US unemployment has remained above the 8% mark since February 2009. The participation rate, measuring the share of working-age residents in the labour force, fell from 63.8% to 63.6%, its lowest level since December 1981. "Employment increased in profess...