The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics showed that unemployment had fallen by more than 100,000 to its lowest level in over 7 years, while the number of people in work reached a record of 31.2 million. This is 419,000 more than the previous year and up by over 177,000 in the three months from July to September 2015.
Average earnings increased by 2.5% in the year to September, down by 0.3% from the previous month. The employment rate has reached 73.7%, the highest since comparable records in 1971. The youth unemployment rate fell to 14.2% in July to September 2015, compared with 16.0% in three months earlier.
Below is a table showing the latest job seekers allowance claimants over the last 3 months with a comparison to the same time last year:
Job Seekers Allowance Claimant Count
Local Authority
Oct 2014
Aug 2015
Sept 2015
Oct 2015
Breckland
1,070
679
639
624
Broadland
662
494
464
471
Great Yarmouth
1,851
1,416
1,475
1,462
King’s Lynn & West Norfolk
1,270
895
880
825
North Norfolk
662
475
482
466
Norwich
2,214
1,701
1,735
1,717
South Norfolk
768
575
573
571
Commenting on the latest labour market statistics, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“This is another strong set of labour market figures with employment rising, unemployment falling and inactivity declining.
“The further fall in youth unemployment is good news but it is still almost three times the national average. The Chamber’s recent Business and Education Survey highlighted ways to address this very issue, including reforming schools careers advice to put employer engagement at the heart of it, and embedding the soft skills employers value within the school curriculum.
“While the Norfolk and UK economy remains solid, we can’t rest on our laurels when the international background is becoming more uncertain. Norfolk businesses need stability, supported by low interest rates for the medium term.”
