Good news as unemployment finally dips

Unemployment in the Rochdale borough has fallen slightly this month, with 7,233 people claiming Job Seekers Allowance – a decrease of 0.7% from last month. Overall in Greater Manchester unemployment is up 0.5%.

Jobseeker support from Rochdale Borough Council and its partners continues to be in high demand. The Employment Links Centre on Drake Street has had 230 new clients since the beginning of April.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said the council is working closely with Job Centre Plus and other partners to ensure residents get the right support to find work or improve their skills:

“Whilst the decrease in the numbers of local residents claiming Job Seekers Allowance is good news, we are not complacent. Every single person being made redundant or having difficulty making ends meet should contact the council to make sure that they are getting all the advice, support and benefits they're eligible for.

"From retraining and finding a new job to filling in housing benefits forms, we are here to help people.”

For advice and guidance with jobs and/or training phone 01706 646471 or email employmentlinks@rochdale.gov.uk