Chamber News: Jobseekers on the rise

Dr Brian Sloan, Chief Economist at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Labour market statistics released today show that the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Greater Manchester has risen for the first time in five months, by 814 to 84,550. Other figures included in the release show that the number of people in work across the wider North West is continuing to rise, up 69,000 on the previous quarter and unemployment has fallen by 10,000.

Dr Brian Sloan, Chief Economist at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said: “The expectation of further increases in the number of jobs across the region, reported by businesses in our latest Quarterly Economic Survey, continues to be realised in the official data.

“It is of course very disappointing that the Jobseeker’s Allowance count has increased, though there is some upward pressure on this count resulting from young people leaving full time education and a reduction in economic inactivity as people are moved off benefits. The labour market is weak at present, however we must look forward and nurture the confidence and growth that we are experiencing in the region, especially as the labour market figures are likely to make for uncomfortable reading in the months ahead as young people leave full time education and seek work.

“The construction sector remains a concern and more should and can still be done to support regional growth through infrastructure investment, both public and private, such as those outlined in the Atlantic Gateway project that will provide job and training opportunities long into the future. Promoting growth in the region now is critical to addressing the problems of low skills and worklessness in the North West.”