Member Article

Jobseeker numbers rise across region as seasonal jobs come to an end

Latest figures show that just over 65,000 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Greater Manchester in January – an increase of 1,800 (2.9%) when compared with the figure for December 2013 of 63,300.

A monthly increase in JSA numbers during January is common, resulting from seasonal jobs associated with the Christmas holiday period coming to an end.

The North West (3.2%) and Great Britain (3.5%) saw even larger monthly increases. As a proportion of the resident working-age population however, 3.7% of people in Greater Manchester were claiming JSA in January – which remains higher than the North West (3.4%) and Great Britain (3.0%).

Youth unemployment (JSA claimants aged 16–24) in Greater Manchester also increased on a monthly basis between December and January, rising by approximately 260 to around 15,600. On an annual basis however, the number of youth JSA claimants is now 32.2% (7,400) lower than this time last year.

By contrast, long-term (6 months+) claimants in Greater Manchester increased only marginally in January 2014 to 29,300, up by 150 (0.5%). On an annual basis the number of long-term claimants is now 20.2% (7,400) lower than this time last year. The North West (20.7%) and Great Britain (19.4%) also saw similar annual declines in long-term claimants.

Commenting on the data, Dr Alexander Roy, acting deputy director of research at New Economy, said: “The rise in JSA claimants in January is the normal seasonal consequence of temporary Christmas jobs coming to an end.

“Given that JSA declined for the previous ten months, we expect improvements to return in February’s figures released next month. The economic situation is healthier than it has been for the last two years, with sustained GDP growth, and increased business confidence alongside overall declines in unemployment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .