Number of Rochdale job seekers rises

The Jobseeker’s Allowance claimant count across Rochdale rose by 488
to 7,566 last month.

Commenting on the figures, Dr Brian Sloan, Chief Economist at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “These statistics are notoriously difficult to digest and interpret, however, despite the disappointment of an increase in the Jobseeker’s Allowance claimant count, this is not unexpected, and actually lower than the increase we have seen at this time of year in recent years. Although that will be no consolation to those who now find themselves out of work.

“The jump in January reflects the number of temporary hires across the region that are released after Christmas, although our Quarterly Economic Survey suggests that private sector recruitment will remain positive.

“However, in the current slow growth environment with uncertainty ahead, recruitment is not strong enough to offset these temporary worker losses, losses from some business failures and the coming public sector losses. There is cautious optimism amongst businesses and conditions are improving, though support for regional growth would help consumer confidence at this time.”