Jobseekers fall in March

Figures released today show that 85,500 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Greater Manchester in March 2013 – a decrease of around 1,100 (1.3%) when compared with the figure for February 2013 of 86,600.

The North West (-1.7%) and Great Britain (-1.8%) also saw monthly decreases. As a proportion of the resident working age population, 4.9% of people in Greater Manchester were claiming JSA in March. This continues to be above the North West (4.4%) and Great Britain (3.8%).

Youth unemployment (JSA claimants aged 16-24) in Greater Manchester declined on a monthly basis between February and March, falling by approximately 300 to around 23,200. On an annual basis the number of youth JSA claimants is 15.1% (4,100) less than this time last year.

On a less positive note, there was an increase in long-term (6 months+) claimants in Greater Manchester in March 2013 to 37,900, a monthly rise of 1,000 (2.7%). Year-on-year the number of long-term claimants is 1.9% higher (an increase of 700) than this time last year. Both the North West (-0.5%) and Great Britain (-2.2%) saw annual declines in long-term claimants.

Commenting on the data Baron Frankal, director of economic strategy at New Economy, said: “The latest unemployment figures give some cause for optimism, however we have seen the numbers fluctuate quite markedly over the last few months and we need to see consistent month-on-month declines before we start talking about a prolonged recovery.”

“Despite the fall, the number of unemployed in Greater Manchester continues to be a big worry, but also correlates with the weak performance of the economy. It seems like a mantra and an excuse, but there really is no productive short-term fix; only short-term remodelling and rebuilding of the economy will provoke a substantial localised growth spurt.”

“To that end, the recently refreshed Greater Manchester Strategy is now out to consultation and we would appeal especially to businesses to make their views known, as they are the engines of economic growth and we should be doing all we can to align what is going on to help them over the next decade and beyond.

“The conurbation is pushing forward with ambitious projects like the Manchester-China Forum, which launches next week, an essential part of Manchester’s internationalisation strategy which is at the core of things that need to happen to support economic growth, increase productivity, and so create new, sustainable jobs across the conurbation. ”