Jobseeker numbers increase again in Greater Manchester

Figures released today show that 86,600 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Greater Manchester (GM) in February 2013 – an increase of around 1,400 (1.7%) from January 2013 of 85,200.

The North West (1.5%) and Great Britain (2.1%) also saw monthly increases. As a proportion of the resident working age population, 4.9% of people in GM were claiming JSA in February. This is higher than both the North West (4.4%) and Great Britain (3.9%).

Youth unemployment (JSA claimants aged 16–24) in Greater Manchester increased on a monthly basis between January and February, rising by approximately 500 to around 23,500. More positively, on an annual basis the number of youth JSA claimants is now 15.4% (4,300) lower than this time last year.

There was a small increase in long-term (6 months+) claimants in Greater Manchester in February 2013 to 36,900, a monthly rise of 200 (0.6%). Year-on-year the number of long-term claimants remains 2.7% higher (an increase of 1,000) than this time last year. The North West also saw an annual increase (+0.7%), but at a Great Britain level long-term claimants fell by 1.8% year-on-year.

Commenting on the data Baron Frankal, director of economic strategy at New Economy, said: “With all eyes on today’s Budget and what the Chancellor might be able to do to reignite a stalling economy, the JSA figures for February serve to highlight the ongoing difficulties faced by those trying to re-enter the labour market.

“The total number of claimants continues to increase on a monthly basis across Greater Manchester, although the annual fall recorded in youth claimants is at least one bit of encouraging news.

“As the Chancellor himself has noted, there is no magic wand that can be waved in order to accelerate economic growth. The key to any long-term recovery will be to give areas such as Greater Manchester more power to determine their own economic futures. The announcement by Government that it would accept 81 of the 89 recommendations outlined in Lord Heseltine’s Growth Plan, including a single pot for funding dedicated to promoting regional economic growth, is certainly a step in the right direction.”