Unemployment claimant count rises

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Rochdale has risen again.

Last month 7,154 claimed the benefit compared with 7,031 the month before.

Jerry Stokes, Chief Executive of Work Solutions, an organisation working with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce which helps get unemployed adults into work, said: “Whilst nationally the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants fell by 10,200 the picture for Greater Manchester was very much in line with the emerging data from the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 that indicates private sector jobs growth is not keeping pace with the losses in the public sector in our region.

“The domestic economy is performing poorly as a result of high unemployment, a lack of confidence and the cuts. The flurry of policy announcements by the Government has also created uncertainty and confusion for businesses.

“Creating jobs is not the first priority for most businesses at this time. The Government needs to stop talking and truly get behind business with positive actions that will remove the burdens of employment and regulation on businesses, giving them greater confidence to create jobs.

“Within the detail of the unemployment figures today are also some noticeable trends. The rate of unemployment for 16 to 24-year-olds has continued to rise to the highest level since records began in 1992.

“Younger people will be finding it harder to access opportunities as the number of people working beyond retirement age and those aged between 50 and 64 has also risen.

“This is a grave concern as we risk losing a generation that will lack the skills and work experience to make them suitable for future opportunities.”