Unemployment figures fall again in district

Unemployment in the district has fallen for another year, according to the latest figures from Jobcentre Plus.
Jobcentre Plus NNL-150528-110248001Jobcentre Plus NNL-150528-110248001
Jobcentre Plus NNL-150528-110248001

The national unemployment rate has dropped by five per cent this year, putting it at its lowest in a decade, according to the statistics.

The drop, echoed in Leamington and Warwick, has been put down to the area providing a “wide range of skilled, professional and retail” work.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The statistics show 498 people were claiming job seekers allowance across the towns, compared to 630 in 2015. In 2014, this figure was 1,230.

Tajinder Dhasi, of Jobcentre Plus, said: “We are shifting out focus to help long-term unemployed and people who need a helping hand.

“We are working with partners to set up work schemes and that work with providers is reflected in the figures.

“Things in Warwick and Leamington have improved and the numbers are falling.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

According to Warwickshire and Coventry Chamber of commerce, apprenticeships are helping make a dent in youth unemployment.

In Warwickshire young people claiming benefits fell from 3,460 to 3,300 alongside a national drop to a record low of 13.6 per cent.

Louise Bennett, chamber chief executive, said: “It’s great to see that unemployment continues to fall against a backdrop of uncertainty.

“When we launched our Go For Growth campaign at the start of 2016, we highlighted skills and employability as a barrier to businesses expanding and we are focused on this.

“We want to see that number continue to fall and help to provide businesses with the skills they need to help them grow.”

Related topics: