Regional unemployment is rising – uncertainty could be the key

The number of people in work in the East Midlands fell during the three months to the end of January 2019, according to figures released this morning.

 

Data from the Office for National Statistics showed there were more than 2,000 fewer people in work compared with the three months to the end of October.

 

The number of people shown as out of work increased by 3,900 over the same periods and the percentage of the workforce unemployed rose to 4.7, up from 4.5 and worse than the national figure of 3.9.

 

In total, there were 2,311,336 people in work in the East Midlands in the three months to the end of January, which was 2,057 lower than three months earlier but 17,009 higher than a year earlier and 20,274 higher than two years ago.

 

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance rose across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

 

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at award-winning East Midlands Chamber said: “There have been quite a few fluctuations over recent reporting periods in how the region is fairing compared with the national picture but the trend now would seem to be in the negative.

 

“This is reflective of what our members are telling us about the difficulties they are having finding the right people to fill vacancies and also the doubts and uncertainties they have over external factors, such as Brexit.

 

“Businesses need clarity and certainty to perform to their best but they are mired in doubt and uncertainty over Brexit so they don’t feel confident investing in plant, premises or people.”

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