Jobs queue remains stationary

Figures released today show that unemployment remained broadly static across Greater Manchester.

The fall in unemployment has slowed compared to the first half of the year. The number of jobseeker’s allowance claimants in Greater Manchester fell by just 121 to 74,325 in June 2010 – a fall of only 0.2% on June’s figures. Jobseeker’s allowance claimants decreased in Greater Manchester at the same rate as the national average. 4.3% of Greater Manchester’s working age population are now claiming unemployment benefit.

The fall in the number of jobseeker’s allowance claimants was greatest in Rochdale (down 2.4% ) and Tameside (down 0.8%). Bolton, Manchester, Salford and Trafford all experienced rising numbers of job seekers.

New Economy estimate that total unemployment in Greater Manchester – which differs from the jobseeker’s allowance count as not all unemployed people claim benefits – fell over the last quarter to 121,340 between April and June, a quarterly reduction of around 6.8% . Comparatively, total unemployment has fallen nationally by 2.0%.

Figures released simultaneously by Jobcentre Plus show that the number of vacancies reported to them in Greater Manchester has increased by 11.1% compared with July 2009. Jobcentre Plus now have 15,750 active vacancies on their books.

Chris Pope, Senior Economic Analyst at Manchester’s Commission for the New Economy said:
“The figures released today only serve to highlight the hesitant nature of growth in the local economy. Job opportunities are up on the year, which is positive, but there is still only one job reported for every five claimants. And whilst the number claiming jobseeker’s allowance has fallen this month, it is nowhere near as large as the falls seen in the first six months of 2010.”

Jonathan Boulter, Deputy Director of Economic Strategy at New Economy said:
“We realise the challenges Greater Manchester faces – slow growth nationally and internationally, high post-recession unemployment and inactivity, and the scale of public sector cuts. That is why together we are developing proposals for a Local Enterprise Partnership – bringing together businesses and local government to help tackle these issues together. We aim to unlock our potential and generate growth and prosperity for everyone.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

New Economy is the economic development commission for Greater Manchester. Our purpose is to create economic growth and prosperity for the people of Greater Manchester. We are committed to working with our partners to lead, influence and innovate; creating a better economy. From strategy to research, project management and consultancy, everything we do has one aim in mind. To make Greater Manchester a better place to live and work.

New Economy makes a difference by:

• Developing economic intelligence
• Helping to create jobs and improve skills
• Saving money and increasing efficiencies
• Increasing investment and enterprise
• Playing our part in reducing carbon emissions

New Economy is one of seven such commissions created as part of the governance arrangements for Greater Manchester. Its operations are overseen by a private sector-majority board, which is chaired by Mike Blackburn of BT and includes most of the AGMA authority leaders. The other commissions are health, public protection, planning and housing, transport, environment and improvement and efficiency.