Figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants in Wyre Forest in September 2015 was 742. This represents a rate of 1.6% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, continuing a year on year decrease since 2012.
The rates of unemployment in the West Midlands and nationally have also held steady, but are noticeably higher than in Wyre Forest, which is in the top half of the national unemployment statistics. Wyre Forest has an unemployment rate of 1.6% compared to the UK equivalent claimant rate of 2.5%.
There were 165 claimants aged 18-24 in Wyre Forest constituency in September 2015, 115 lower than in September 2014.
Mark Garnier said, “Unemployment has continued to decline in Wyre Forest and this is a fantastic reflection of the skills offering locally. We need to continue to link our local talent with the many jobs coming into the area. I hope those that attended benefitted from the Jobs Fairs I hosted on 1st October 2015 .I hope that Wyre Forest will continue to build on these statistics with a greater focus on opportunities of job training and skilled work.”