Jobseekers claimant count falls

Figures released today show that 84,500 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Greater Manchester (GM) in October 2012 – a reduction of 450 (0.5%) when compared with the figure for September 2012 of 84,900. However, on an annual basis, the overall number of JSA claimants remains 2,200 (2.7%) higher in Greater Manchester than this time last year, compared to the overall national picture where claimants have declined by 1.2%, and the North West, where numbers have remained static.

More positively, youth unemployment (JSA claimants aged 16-24) in Greater Manchester declined on a monthly basis between September and October, falling by around 500 to approximately 24,500. On an annual basis the number of youth JSA claimants is now 9.4% (2,500) lower than this time last year, another encouraging sign.

There was a fall in long-term (6 months+) claimants in GM to 37,000 in October 2012, a monthly decline of 1,200 (-3.1%) compared with September 2012. However, on an annual basis, the number of long-term claimants remains significantly higher (14.5% more, or an increase of 4,700) than this time last year and continues to mirror the situation in the North West (+14.1%) and Great Britain (+9.7%).

Commenting on the data Baron Frankal, director of economic strategy at New Economy, said: “Similar to last month, we have found that JSA claimants have fallen on a monthly basis, though claimant numbers remain higher than this time last year at a time when numbers at the national level are starting to fall.

"Whilst unemployment is Greater Manchester is clearly moving in the right direction, particularly for young people, the numbers highlight that there remains a long way to go for the economy to get back on track, particularly getting our long-term unemployed back into the job market.”

“It is therefore more important than ever for Greater Manchester to face and address key issues, such as the growing skills gap, in order to continue lowering unemployment. One route we are taking to make a start to this is with our Greater Manchester Youth Summit event, taking place on 23 November, to address youth unemployment in Manchester and learn more about the key actions young people can take to try and find a job.”