Jobseeker claimant count continues to fall

Data recently released from the Office for National Statistics reveals that the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Chesterfield in October was 1,125 – down 15 from last months figure of 1,140 and a considerable 55 less claimants than the 1,180 recorded 6 months ago in April.

However, overall the number of people out of work across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire has increased in the last three months. The number of people unemployed rose 4,747 from 103,301 at the end of June to 108,048 at the end of September. The number of people in work fell 4,315 from 2,294,544 to 2,290,229 over the same periods.

Underlying trends continue to paint a more positive picture, however. The number of people in employment in the three months to the end of September 2016 was 22,547 higher than for the same three months in 2015 and 72,612 higher than two years ago.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“The underlying trend is the better indicator of the strength of the regional economy and that remains fairly positive.

“We’re not surprised, however, to see the figures levelling off. Immediately after the EU Referendum recruitment companies were reporting difficulties placing people. This was an expected reaction to the result of the vote, which surprised many people.

“We have been saying since the referendum that Government needs to be doing more to provide businesses with the reassurances they need that UK plc will continue to be a good place in which to invest after we leave the EU.

“The figures also show a need for Government to invest more today in closing the skills gap, the difference between what school-leavers can offer and the expectations of potential employers. The jobs are out there, but employers are reluctant in uncertain times to invest in long-term training.”