Unemployment claimant count rises

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

Last month 7,384 claimed the benefit compared with 7,236 the month before.

Dr Brian Sloan, Head of Business & Economic Policy at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “Having seen encouraging signs that the labour market was picking up in our last Quarterly Economic Survey this rise in the claimant count is a severe blow.

“Even allowing for an expected rise due to public sector losses and Government policy, the recruitment intentions of private sector firms are not reaching fruition.

“Since the survey the global economy has slowed and domestic demand remains weak, so businesses are holding back with their recruitment plans. Government must put in place policies that are bold and decisive in order to get the labour market moving again.”