Unemployment rate in city constituency more than double the national average
Unemployment has continued to rise in a city constituency according to new figures, bucking the national trend.
Across the country the number of people out of work has hit a 44-year low of 3.9 per cent, prompting ministers to boast of the UK's "strong economy" and "resilient" jobs market.
But according to data from the House of Commons Library, in Wolverhampton South East 3,410 people claimed unemployment benefits in February 2019 – 8.2 per cent of the economically active population.
The figure marks a 30 per cent rise on the number of claimants from February 2018 and a four per cent rise over the last month.
The constituency's Labour MP Pat McFadden said it was "hugely complacent" for ministers to ignore increases in unemployment across the country, which he says proves that economic benefits are not being "evenly spread".
The figures include people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or who are claiming Universal Credit and are required to seek work.
Mr McFadden said: “Month after month, I am struck by the contrast between the national unemployment figures and what seems to be happening locally.
"Nationally, unemployment is quite low but it has gone up over the past year in Wolverhampton South East and in a number of similar constituencies.
“It is hugely complacent for Government Ministers to ignore this effect. It shows that whatever is happening with the economy, the benefits are not being evenly spread.
"We have unemployment which is far higher than the national average and which over the past year has been heading in the wrong direction.”
The claimant count has been affected by the roll out of Universal Credit, which requires a broader group of claimants to look for work than was the case under Jobseeker’s Allowance.
This means the number of unemployed claimants in an area increases once UC is rolled out. Using
Commenting on the national figures, Employment Minister Alok Sharma said: "The employment figures are further evidence of the strong economy the chancellor detailed in last week's Spring Statement, showing how our pro-business policies are delivering record employment.
"Our jobs market remains resilient as we see more people than ever before benefitting from earning a wage. By backing the Government's Brexit deal and giving certainty to business, MPs have the chance to safeguard this jobs track record."
