Jobseekers claimants rise across Greater Manchester

Figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that unemployment in Greater Manchester has increased between June to July.

The number of jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) claimants grew by 2,398 and was recorded at 79,075 in July 2011 – a monthly rise of 3.1. National and regional JSA numbers also increased from June to July – by 3.3 and 3.2% respectively.

All districts in Greater Manchester saw a monthly increase in JSA claimants between June and July. The lowest rises (of 2) were seen in Rochdale and Oldham where JSA numbers increased by just under 150 in each local authority area. Stockport recorded the biggest increase in JSA numbers at 6 (an additional 340 claimants).

Year on year, the proportion of Greater Manchester’s resident working age population claiming JSA has risen by 6.4%. This represents 4,750 additional claimants since July 2011.

At a local authority level, Greater Manchester’s areas have all seen an annual increase in their JSA claimants. Bolton, Oldham and Rochdale saw increases of at least 10% between July 2010 and July 2011.
The number of youth JSA claimants (those aged 16-24) also increased in Greater Manchester between June and July, from just under 23,000 to more than 24,000. This worrying trend of rising youth unemployment in Greater Manchester has been evident since the turn of the year.

Mike Emmerich, chief executive of New Economy, said: “We have been expecting a rise in claimant numbers and the latest figures are unsurprising, especially given the challenges faced by the economy.
“While the trend this month appears to have been exacerbated by people coming off Incapacity Benefits and being moved on to the JSA register as part of the Government’s Work Capability Assessment, the underlying unemployment rate is continuing to rise.

“In light of the events of last week, the rise in youth unemployment gives particular cause for concern and providing new employment opportunities for youngsters in Greater Manchester must remain a priority over the coming months.”*

The ONS figures will contribute towards New Economy’s research and in particular, the Manchester Monitor – a monthly analytical snapshot of the economic wellbeing of Greater Manchester.

  • New Economy is hosting a recruitment event on Thursday 18 August at The University of Manchester for 18-24 year old jobseekers. The event will take place at the Whitworth Hall, University of Manchester on Thursday 18th August, from 09.30am to 12.30pm.

Updated 9 months ago.

By: Mark Coleman

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2009 New Economy, all rights reserved. Site designed & produced by Stardotstar.

  1. Site map
  2. Accessibility Policy
  3. Data Protection