Unemployment falls

Unemployment has fallen in the Borough of Rochdale according to figures released yesterday.

The total number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in the borough last month was 7,706 compared with 7,794 the month before.

Nationally, the number of people claiming job seeker’s allowance fell by 32,300 to 1.59 million in February. Unemployment stood at 2.45 million for the three months to January, down 33,000 on the figure for the previous three months.

Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The fall in unemployment for the third month in a row is very welcome, but we should remain cautious. We’re not out of the woods yet and we are still determined to do more to support jobs and help the unemployed this year.

“The figures show the investment in jobs, education and training places is making a real difference. Half a million fewer people are out of work than anticipated at the time of last year’s budget — saving over £10 billion as a result.

“However, now is not the time to cut back on support for jobs. We know things will be difficult for some time, and unemployment in the 1980s and 1990s rose for years after the recessions finished.

“That is why we plan to increase help to get people back into jobs this year, not cut it back, so we can support the jobs of the future.”

Ministers predict some increases in unemployment in the run up to summer before further falls in the second half of the year.