Figures released today by the Office of National Statistics show that the total number of unemployed claimants in Wyre Forest constituency in September 2016 was 741. This represents a rate of 1.6% of the economically active population, with the average rate in the UK currently at 2.4%. The total number of claimants (both Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit) is both lower than September 2015 and August 2016.
The rate of unemployment in Wyre Forest remains very low. Nationally, the UK jobless rate held steady at a near 11-year low of 4.9% in the three months to August, whilst unemployment has fallen in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Mark Garnier MP commented that “I am very pleased with this positive news. The Wyre Forest claimant rate has gone down again, reflecting the continuing improvement in employment rates since I was elected. The local economy is on track to get stronger, with a jobs fair being held early next year and further efforts to tackle the skills gap. I am very optimistic for the future and will continue to work to get unemployment levels down.”