Unemployment figures continue to fall in Telford & Wrekin
The latest unemployment figures released today show that those claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in Telford & Wrekin fell again in October.
The number fell by a further 200 from 3,770 to 3,570, a monthly fall of 5.3%. The overall number of claimants in the borough has fallen for the eighth consecutive month and this figure remains at its lowest level for almost five years (3,485 in December 2008).
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Employment and Skills, said: “These figures indicate that unemployment is on the decline. This is very encouraging and is further testament of the growing success of the Council’s business supporting and business winning approach which is helping to attract new jobs and investment to the borough.
“It has never been more important for the Council, partners and businesses to work together to secure new jobs here but we still feel the unemployment rate is not reducing quickly enough and that finding work remains an issue for many people.
“That’s what Invest In Telford is all about and we hope that the government will recognise our commitment to growth and respond by helping us to tackle the issue of youth unemployment.
“The issue of youth unemployment is one we take very seriously as the local figure is notably above the regional average.
“This is an issue we must together tackle and we’re currently developing a major campaign with partners around this to offer our young people realistic prospects for training, experience and lasting employment which are linked more effectively to existing and future local labour opportunities.
“Meanwhile we are continuing to work with partners to market employment land and attract more businesses to relocate here as well as working with existing businesses to help them expand and grow, both of which are essential in safeguarding existing as well as creating new local jobs for local people.
“In the new year we expect there to be a further boost when businesses moving to the new Southwater development will start recruiting to around 450 new posts being delivered through the first phase of the £250m regeneration project, due to open in Spring next year.”
