The number of people in work in the East Midlands increased by 15,037 and the number of people out of work fell by 2,804 in the three months to April, according to figures released this morning.

The latest regional employment bulletin from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that between February and April, there were 2.27 million people in jobs and 106,203 people unemployed across the region.

The region’s unemployment rate has fallen to 4.5%, well below the national average of 5.1%.

In terms of Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) claimants, there was a monthly decrease of 550, to 31,000 across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in May, and there were 4,295 fewer claimants across the three counties than there were in May 2015.

In Chesterfield there were 1,115 claimants in May 2016, which is 25 fewer than the figure reported in April (1,140) and 210 lower than the same month last year (1,325). The current percentage of the population claiming the benefit stands at 1.7% and is below the national average of 1.8%.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber*, said: “The latest employment figures for the region are once again positive and show that, in spite of the political paralysis we are seeing as the EU Referendum campaign nears its conclusion, businesses here in the East Midlands continue to grow.

“From a business perspective, the referendum debate has been a shouting match, heavy on hyperbole but light on the sort of cool-headed information and mature argument that local business leaders required.

“While the views of individual business people differ on whether Britain should vote Remain or Leave, their disappointment with the tone and conduct of the campaign is near-universal.

“So, too, is their frustration about everything that has been put on hold while Westminster has indulged its European obsession, which has crowded out everything else and has meant that other issues have barely got a look in.

“This inertia has set in at precisely the time that tough decisions need to be made in the interests of the country, its businesses and its economy, such as airport expansion, finalising the eastern leg of HS2 and the devolution of powers to regions, including the Midlands Engine.

“Regardless of which way the country votes next week, our leaders will need to demonstrate that they are ready to make some of the big choices that have been put off for too long, including finance for investment, skills provision and the delivery of first class digital and transport infrastructure, and do whatever it takes to get Britain back to business.”

* East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

The Diocese of Derby has announced the full itinerary for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to Derbyshire taking place over three days from 21-23 June 2016.

Accompanied throughout the three days by the Bishop of Derby, Alastair Redfern, the Archbishop of Canterbury will travel to the south, north and east of the county to witness the opportunities and challenges in Derby Diocese.

On 22nd June the Archbishop will speak at a business networking event taking place at St Thomas’ Centre in Brampton, Chesterfield from 4.00pm. The focus will be on the challenges facing businesses in the current economic climate followed by a question and answer session.

On the same day the Archbishop will also deliver a keynote speech to support Derby Diocese’s aim to encourage closer partnerships at a Social Projects lunch held at St.Barnabas Centre, Danesmoor, from 12.30pm. As well as meeting networks of Credit Unions, Foodbanks and Citizen Advice Bureaus, the lunch centres on the importance of working in partnership to provide support. He will have lunch at the Feeding Derbyshire Super Kitchen, the project which uses surplus food from supermarkets to provide affordable meals to the community.

Bishop of Derby, Alastair Redfern said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury on his first pastoral visit to the East Midlands. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the important work being carried out across Derbyshire as we look to face the challenges together. We hope his visit will inspire many more to get involved in making our communities stronger whether through their church, workplace, social group, school or college.”

The Archbishop carries out two to three pastoral visits to dioceses a year, where he has a chance to witness the mission and ministry going on and to encourage them in their work.