Encouraging signs as jobseeker numbers fall again in Greater Manchester

Figures released today show that 79,300 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Greater Manchester in June 2013 – a decrease of 3,200 (-3.8%) when compared with the figure for May 2013 of 82,400.

The North West (-3.5%) and Great Britain (-3.8%) also saw monthly decreases. As a proportion of the resident working age population, 4.5% of people in Greater Manchester were claiming JSA in June – higher than the North West (4.0%) and Great Britain (3.5%).

Youth unemployment (JSA claimants aged 16-24) in Greater Manchester declined on a monthly basis between May and June, falling by approximately 1,000 to around 20,700. Year-on-year, the number of youth JSA claimants is 15.3% (3,700) lower than this time last year.

There was also a decline in long-term (6 months+) claimants in Greater Manchester in June 2013 to 38,300, a monthly fall of 600 (-1.5%). On an annual basis the number of long-term claimants is 2.2% (900) lower than this time last year. The North West (-4.1%) and Great Britain (-4.8%) also saw annual declines in long-term claimants.

Commenting on the data Baron Frankal, director of economic strategy at New Economy, said: “This month’s JSA figures reveal another solid decrease in claimants, continuing the positive trend of recent months. However, we are still, without a doubt, in the midst of a very tricky period for unemployment and face significant short-term challenges, especially as we approach the school leaver and graduation period.

“That said, Greater Manchester continues to take significant steps to secure future jobs for the region, so whilst we still expect a bumpy ride, the long-term plan is taking root, and things like our recent Regional Growth Fund (RGF) bid wins are evidence of that.

“Greater Manchester has won two bids – first of all, securing multi-million pounds worth of investment for development of the local talent pool that will turning scientific research into commercial success; and secondly, through the RGF bid by home shopping giant N Brown, where Greater Manchester’s position on the repatriation of textile manufacture to the UK will support hundreds of textile firms seeking investment for growth.

“These successes mean that Greater Manchester is preparing itself for future job growth, whilst smaller achievements such as today’s decrease in JSA figures help to fuel a fairly optimistic outlook.”