Unemployment rises

Unemployment has risen in the borough of Rochdale according to figures released today.

The total number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in the borough last month was 7,794 compared with 7,443 the month before.

Unemployment rose in every borough in Greater Manchester last month.

Dr Brian Sloan, Head of Business and Economic Policy at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “Today’s figures are disappointing for Greater Manchester after three successive months of falling unemployment and rising business confidence prior to December’s Pre-Budget Report.

“As we anticipated the rise is in part due to seasonal jobs being shed after Christmas as the sales ended earlier this year, however job losses continue due to the ongoing effects of the recession. These figures show the jobs market is still very tough and businesses are uncertain about the strength of the recovery. There is an urgent need for the Government to lay down plans that support wealth and job creating businesses as soon as possible.”