Unemployment continues to fall in Telford & Wrekin area
Official figures released today show that the number of those claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in Telford & Wrekin fell again in November, down by a further 245 from 3,570 to 3,325, a monthly fall of 6.9%.
The overall number of claimants in the borough fell for the ninth consecutive month and reached its lowest level in five years (3,040 in November 2008). The fall includes a drop in the number of 16 – 24 year olds claiming JSA.
Despite a downward trend, Telford & Wrekin Council says that youth unemployment remains a concern as it is still higher than the national figure for this age group.
The Council’s focus on youth unemployment in recent months has already started to pay off and further plans to tackle the issue will be discussed by the Council in the New Year.
Telford & Wrekin Council say they are committed to reducing the amount of Job Seeker’s Allowance claimants. The number of people claiming for less than six months (1,825) has reached its lowest level since June 2008 (1,785) and the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance on a long term basis (12+ months) has also come down.
Rising employment figures come a week after economic growth was shown to have risen more rapidly in Telford and Wrekin than for the West Midlands region as a whole.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Employment and Skills, said: “It is encouraging to see that unemployment is falling 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 is vital that the Council, partners and businesses work together to secure new jobs. Despite the reduction, the unemployment rate is not reducing quickly enough for many local people to feel the benefits.
“The issue of youth unemployment is one we take very seriously as the local figure is notably above the regional average and we hope that the government will recognise our commitment to growth and respond by helping us to tackle this problem.
“We are 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.”
