Member Article

Jobseeker numbers fall across North West

The number of unemployed, and those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) has fallen across the North West.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows the number of unemployed fell by 7,000 to 288,000 between December to February.

The number claiming JSA fell by 1.7% across the North West, although in Greater Manchester, the number of long term claimants rose by 2.7% in March.

Between February and March, youth unemployment fell by approximately 300 to around 23,200.

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. “

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .