Unemployment in West Midlands remains highest in the country, according to latest figures
Unemployment in the West Midlands remains the highest in the country at 6.2 per cent, according to latest statistics.
New figures, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today (Tuesday October 14), covering the period from June to August 2025, showed the region has the highest unemployment figure out of all UK regions for the second consecutive month.
In the West Midlands, 195,000 people were listed as unemployed – up 20,000 on the quarter and up 65,000 on the year, with latest stats putting the rate of unemployment in the region at 6.2 per cent - up 0.5 per cent on the quarter and up 1.9 per cent year on year.
Meanwhile, 396,000 people were living in non-working households.
On the flip side, 2.95 million people in the region were employed – up 35,000 on the quarter and up 21,000 on the year, with the rate remaining at 73.2 per cent - unchanged on the quarter and down 0.6 per cent on the year.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden MP, said: "The numbers of people in work and looking for work are at a record high.
"However, there are still too many people locked out of employment or training and missing out on the security a good job provides.”
The MP, who represents Wolverhampton South West, said the government is reforming Jobcentres and investing in its Connect to Work programme “to build a workforce fit for the future and boost economic growth in every corner of the UK as part of the Plan for Change”.
Emily Stubbs, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said of the latest figures: “For a second consecutive month, the West Midlands has the highest unemployment rate in the country.
“And while the ONS caution against comparisons with volatile estimates throughout 2024, it appears unemployment in the region has risen sharply over the past year, at a rate well above the national average.
“Unfortunately, taken together with data from other regions across the UK, these figures are unlikely to encourage the Bank of England to cut interest rates further before the end of the year.”
She said the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Business Report shows labour costs, exacerbated by National Insurance hikes earlier this year, remain the biggest cost pressure for firms in the Birmingham area.
The Chamber will continue to work with businesses to understand why “challenges are being felt so strongly in our region and to provide support to local firms” - she said - adding: “At a national level, it is vital that the Chancellor uses the Autumn Budget as an opportunity to ease cost pressures and help businesses attract, develop, and retain the talent and skills essential for driving economic growth – rather than raising taxes further.”
