Mark Garnier MP once again welcomes improving unemployment statistics in Wyre Forest.
Figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that yet again unemployment has continued to fall in Wyre Forest. The number of unemployed claimants in Wyre Forest in December was 1740 which represents 3.6% of the economically active population. This compares to a rate of 4.7% in the West Midlands region and 3.8% nationally.
The number of claimants in December 2013 is 448 lower than in December 2012 and 41 lower than in November 2013. This represents a 20.4% drop in the unemployment rate year on year from December 2012- December 2013.
The unemployment rate was 4.8% when Mark was elected in 2010 and has dropped by a quarter since then.
Mark Garnier said “Yet again we have seen another drop in the unemployment rate in Wyre Forest highlighting improvements in our local economy. The Wyre Forest unemployment rate is consistently lower than the national rate and the West Midlands region. Whilst this is encouraging, it does highlight the importance of local events such as the Jobs Fairs.
Whilst I am pleased that this trend is continuing, I cannot be complacent: there is still more work to be done. I will continue to organise local events such as the Jobs Fair and the Business Forum, which is being held on 28th February to provide advice to small businesses that are vital to creating jobs. Nationally it is important that we continue with policies that are encouraging employment and growth in order to maintain this downward trend. This is part of a long term economic plan and it is vital that stick with it.”