Unemployment claimant count falls

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

Last month 7,091 claimed the benefit compared with 7,154 the month before. 

Across Greater Manchester, the figures show that the claimant count in March fell by 1,059, bucking the national trend that showed a slight increase. 

Dr Brian Sloan, Head of Business and Economic Policy at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “These figures are very encouraging and show that the private sector is continuing to create jobs despite a weak domestic economy.

"There will be upward pressure on these numbers in the next two months from public sector losses, and we must remember that whilst positive, the census has allowed our colleagues in Work Solutions to create a large number of jobs in the area, which are temporary.

“The good news, however, is that the outlook is improving in line with our expectations, so we should see employment prospects improve in the latter half of the year.”

Jobseekers Allowance claimants amongst 18-24 year olds has also fallen by 550 in March.

Dr Sloan continued: “For March we have seen a drop of 550 in the number of young people claiming Jobs Seekers Allowance. This move is certainly in the right direction and bucks a more recent trend of rising unemployment amongst the youngest in the workforce.

“Whilst these figures are clearly welcome we cannot become complacent. Unemployment amongst 18-24 year olds is still higher than it was at the end of 2010 and the numbers vary considerably across Greater Manchester.

“Those looking for work can still benefit from a range of support services, designed to give young people a boost within the jobs market. Apprenticeships and part-time working can offer people new routes into employment, which they may not have previously considered and we would encourage everyone to explore these non-traditional options.”