Annual employment trend remains positive
Year on year the figures for employment remain positive with 8,660 fewer people out of work across the East Midlands, when compared to October to December 2015, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This means the East Midlands’ Unemployment Rate of 4.5% remains well below the national 5.1% and better than anywhere else outside of Southern England.
In Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in January 2016 fell by 6,935 compared to the same month in 2015.
In Chesterfield the number of people claiming the out of work benefit dropped to 893, which is 587 lower than the figure released in January 2015 (1480), and remains below the national average (1.4% compared to 1.5%).
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “While the quarterly increase in unemployment and fall in employment were disappointing, the annual trend is more positive and reflective of what our member businesses tell us about their recruitment activities.
“The East Midlands remains in a healthy position as a key driver of the UK economy, thanks to its broad base of businesses which have created jobs and opportunities for local people over the past 18 months.
“However, there are uncertainties around things like changes to apprenticeships funding, the introduction of a new National Living Wage and the continued rollout of auto-enrolment and we can’t yet fully appreciate what impact these might have on business.
“Today’s figures demonstrate that while our labour market remains flexible and vibrant, it’s not immune to shock, so it’s vital that business policy continues to provide the right support and environment to facilitate job creation, particularly in the production sectors, where the East Midlands’ real strength lies.”
