Member Article

Employment in Yorkshire and the Humber at record high

Employment levels in Yorkshire and the Humber are at a record high, but unemployment in the region still stands at 8.6%.

The number of people in employment rose 0.3% to just over 2.53 million in the period August to October 2013, ONS (Office of National Statistics) data revealed.

Unemployment now stands at just short of 240,000.

The UK national average unemployment rate for the period was 7.4%, the lowest level since 2009.

The Yorkshire and Humber region has seen a pattern of general decreases in unemployment over a number of recent periods, down from nearly 255,000 this time last year.

The rate of people in Yorkshire and the Humber claiming Jobskeer’s Allowance is the second highest in the country, at 5%.

However, claimant numbers are down 30,000 for the year to just over 130,000, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Prime minister David Cameron told MPs the national figures showed that “the plan is working”.

Mr Cameron said: “There should not be one ounce of complacency because we have still got work to do to get our country back to work and everyone back in work means greater stability for them, greater ability to plan for their future, greater help for their families.

“But the plan is working, let’s stick at it, and get unemployment down even further.”

The UK economy grew by 0.8% in the third quarter of 2013, and the Bank of England is forecasting growth of 2.8% next year.

Stephanie Burras, chair, Leeds City Region LEP Employment and Skills Board, said of the Yorkshire results: “Improving skills and boosting employment in Leeds City Region is a key priority and we are delighted to be leading the way as an exemplar LEP on this agenda.

“We are working hard to address the priorities identified in our Skills Plan through the use of innovative initiatives such as our Apprenticeship Hubs, five three one campaign and jobs intelligence resources and we are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the best possible outcomes for those living and working in Leeds City Region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Graham Vincent .