Figures released yesterday from the Independent Office of National Statistics show that the number of unemployed claimants in South West Bedfordshire constituency in November 2016 was 535.This represents a rate of 1.0% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 579th highest of the 650 UK constituencies. (1st = highest rate of unemployment, 650th = lowest rate of unemployment.)
The total number of claimants for Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit is 21 lower than in November 2015 and 38 lower than in October 2016.
Commenting on the figures South West Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous said:
“I am delighted to see that more people locally now have the security of a monthly pay packet as they go out to work. Since 2010 over 70% of the rise in employment has been from full time work. Pay rose 2.3% over the last year. It is really good to see youth unemployment falling and the number of disabled people in work rising.
I very much welcome this further fall in unemployment. We have had so many jobs created locally that I am aware a number of employers are struggling to get the workers they need which means we must redouble our efforts to help these businesses grow and to provide the relevant skills training locally.”