Hull reports lowest ever unemployment rate on record

Over the last three years the number of people in Hull who receive unemployment benefits has fallen by 7,150 people (12%) to 6,290.

This decrease in unemployment means that the current unemployment benefit claimant rate in Hull (3.7%) is the lowest it has ever been.

In addition, the number of jobs in the city (118,000) has increased for the fourth consecutive year.

Councillor Martin Mancey, portfolio holder for Energy City, said: “The latest figures suggest that there are now around 1,000 more jobs in Hull than the previous year, which will be one of the contributing factors for the continued reduction in unemployment benefit claimants in the city.

“This is further proof that our 10-year City Plan is delivering a better, more prosperous future with more people finding jobs than ever before.

“Alongside this, the positive feeling that Hull UK City of Culture 2017 is creating in the city and across the country, is helping to put Hull at the forefront of the minds of the business community which is helping to boost the economy.”

One scheme that is helping long-term unemployed people get back into work is the Pathway to Employment programme, based at Hull Central Library, which is part of Greenport Hull.

By working with employers within the renewables, manufacturing and engineering sectors the scheme is helping people to get the work-based skills they require to find employment in those sectors.

The Pathway Programme has already seen 55 completers from 60 (92%) with 38 of those people finding employment so far.

The number of Hull-based businesses has also increased in comparison to the previous year. There are now a total of 8,195 local units and 5,815 enterprises, which is an increase of 50 and 165 respectively compared to the previous year.

The largest growth in jobs occurred in professional, scientific and technical industries, construction and business administration and support services.

Councillor Mancey, added: “Since the Siemens announcement it is clear that it has added to the confidence and hunger for investment.

“Alongside Siemens, RB and smaller companies have also shown their support by expanding or investing in Hull. Through the creation of additional jobs this has had a positive knock-on effect of lowering the number of unemployment benefit claimants.

“What is happening in the city is life-changing and we have seen a transformation in attitudes towards the city. Hull’s story is developing in a positive way and this should give the next generation of the city’s workforce a solid long-term future.”

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