Employment trend remains positive
The number of people in work in the East Midlands has increased by 66,000 over the past two years, while the number of people out of work has fallen by 44,000 in the same period, according to figures released this morning.
The latest regional employment bulletin from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that between January and March, there were 2.25 million people in jobs and 109,000 people unemployed across the region.
It means the unemployment rate in the region remains at 4.6%, well below the national average of 5.1%.
In terms of Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) claimants, there was a monthly decrease of 810, to 31,350 across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in April, and there were 5,665 fewer claimants across the three counties than there were in April 2015.
In Chesterfield there were 1,115 out of work claimants in April 2016, which is 25 fewer than the figure reported in March (1,140) and 210 lower than the same month last year (1,325). The current percentage of the population claiming the benefit in the the town now stands at 1.7% and is below the national average of 1.8%.
Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The latest employment figures for the region are once again positive and reflect what our members are telling us through our survey work about continued growth in the East Midlands.
“It’s particularly encouraging to note that the figures show there are now more people employed in manufacturing roles in the region than at any time since September 2008, which was shortly before the national economy crashed. This also bucks the national trend, where manufacturing has been subdued in many other parts of the country.
“The East Midlands’ key strength lies in the diversity of its business community and it’s good to see that growth is spread across businesses of different sizes and different sectors.
“While the labour market remains flexible and dynamic, this positive snapshot of employment must not lead to complacency. The economy faces significant challenges over the coming months, not least the uncertainties the EU Referendum brings, a softening in other key markets and the ongoing skills shortages our members encounter on a daily basis.
“Now is not the time for political paralysis while we wait to see what happens in the aftermath of the vote on 23 June. Policy focus must still be placed on the fundamental building blocks of doing business, including finance for investment, skills provision and the delivery of first class digital and transport infrastructure.”
