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Number of Leeds and York jobseekers falls again

Numbers of Leeds and York jobseekers have fallen again this month according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

Overall the results have shown the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) has fallen by 42.2% since November 2013.

In York, these figures mean the number of claimants has fallen for the ninth consecutive month.

The statistics show there to be 1,232 claimants in York, a decrease of 86 from last month.

The claimant count represents 0.9% of the working population compared to the regional average which stands at 2.7%.

The figures are also much lower than the national average which is currently 2%. Today’s figures mean there are 901 less claimants in York than in November 2013.

The total number of jobseekers in Leeds is now 15,085.

Many major companies such as McDonalds, N-Power and the Royal Mail have been recruiting staff in Leeds, which has helped to ease the load.

Alison France, employer and partnership manager for Leeds Job Centre Plus, said: “The total of people actively looking for work in Leeds was 15,085. It is good news for the city and a sure sign that things are improving, as they are nationally.”

Cllr Dafydd Williams, leader of City of York Council said: “Today’s figures are pleasing and it’s good to see partnership working with York’s private sector is paying off, as York continues to outperform the country and the region in tackling unemployment.

“Whilst we welcome the continuing downward trend in Jobseekers Allowance, we must continue to focus on ensuring that York residents have access to better paid and more productive jobs in the city.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .