Jobseeker numbers fall for sixth consecutive month in Greater Manchester

Figures released today show that 76,700 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Greater Manchester in August 2013 – a decrease of 2,000 (-2.6%) when compared with the figure for July 2013 of 78,700.

The North West (-2.5%) and Great Britain (-2.2%) also saw monthly declines. As a proportion of the resident working age population, 4.4% of people in Grater Manchester were claiming JSA in August – higher than the North West (3.9%) and Great Britain (3.3%).

Youth unemployment (JSA claimants aged 16-24) in Greater Manchester decreased on a monthly basis between July and August, falling by approximately 500 to around 20,300. On an annual basis, the number of youth JSA claimants is -18.2% (-4,500) lower than this time last year.

There was a decline in long-term (6 months+) claimants in Greater Manchester in August 2013 to 36,700, a monthly fall of 700 (-1.8%). On an annual basis the number of long-term claimants is -5.1% (2,000) lower than this time last year. The North West (-7.2%) and Great Britain (-7.0%) also saw annual declines in long-term claimants.

Commenting on the data James Farr, director of skills and employment at New Economy, said: “With the total number of jobseekers in decline again, it is clear that Greater Manchester’s economy is showing signs of picking up momentum. It is probably too early to forecast whether this trend will continue but there are many positive signs at the moment, such as the fact that job vacancy levels recently increased at their fastest rate in six years.

“However, chances are that we will see jobseeker levels fluctuate over the next few months. Therefore our focus should remain committed to the long-term.”