Express & Star

Unemployment rises in West Midlands as number in work at a high

Unemployment in the West Midlands rose in the three months to November.

Published
Last updated
More were claiming unemployment benefits in the West Midlands last month

The figure from the Office for National Statistics was up 6,000 to 155,000 on the figure for June to August 2017. Compared to the same September to November quarter in 2016 the regional unemployment figure was down 6,000.

Nationally unemployment was down 160,000 on the year to 1.44 million with the number of people in work at a record high of 32.,2 million amid strong demand for workers. It was an increase of 102,000 on the previous quarter and the biggest total since records began in 1971.

The UK's employment rate is now at a joint record high of 75.3 per cent.

The claimant count, which includes people on Jobseeker's Allowance and the unemployment element of Universal Credit, increased by 8,600 last month to 832,500.

In the West Midlands it was up 670 at 84,730 – 2.4 per cent of the working population.

There was a varied picture across the region with rises in some areas and falls in others.

Dudley saw the biggest rise in the Black Country of 145 to 6,325 (3.3 per cent), but Sandwell was down 55 at 6,895 (3.4 per cent). The total was up 15 in Walsall to 4,805 (2.8 per cent) and by 10 in Wolverhampton to 6,600 (4.1 per cent).

Wyre Forest, including Kidderminster, had a rise of 80 to 870 (1.5 per cent), the same level of rise experienced across Staffordshire where claimants hit 5,460 (one per cent).

Stafford had a rise of 45 to 735 (0.9 per cent) with South Staffordshire up five to 815 (1.2 per cent), but Lichfield was down 30 to 435 (0.7 per cent) and Cannock Chase by five to 735 (1.2 per cent).

Nationally average earnings increased by 2.5 per cent in the year to November, unchanged from the previous month, although pay is still growing at less the rate of inflation.

Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey, said: "We had a record-breaking 2017 for employment, and I'm delighted to see this trend continue as we enter the new year.

"The number of people in work is at an all-time high and the unemployment rate has not been this low for over 40 years.

"At this time of year, straight after Christmas, people might be feeling a squeeze on their finances. We're determined to help people keep more of what they earn.

"That's why we've increased the national living wage, introduced Universal Credit to offer greater flexibility, and taken millions of people out of income tax altogether by raising the tax-free personal allowance."

Matthew Percival, CBI head of employment, said: “While it’s encouraging to see a return to jobs growth, and pay marginally increasing, higher inflation means living standards remain under pressure.

“With businesses already concerned about skills shortages, it’s essential that current reforms help people gain the skills that businesses need, ensuring the UK has a workforce fit for the 21st Century, leading to higher productivity and pay.”