Shropshire and Mid Wales unemployment figure rises

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show 225 more people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance than the previous month.

The Shropshire Council area saw a total increase of 130 people, taking the total to 2,345, meaning 1.3 per cent of the workforce was receiving jobless benefits.

In Telford and Wrekin, 95 more people were unemployed, making its total 2,020. This represents 1.9 per cent of the workforce.

In Powys, 50 more people were unemployed, making its total 785. This represents one per cent of the workforce.

Gareth Niblett, Job Centre customer services manager for Shropshire, said: "There is no real explanation as to why there has been a slight increase.

Job fairs

"There have been no large redundancies announced and we are not aware of any closures coming on board.

"We have been doing a lot of work with B&M who are looking to take on more staff in Shrewsbury. Next is looking to recruit temporary sales assistants in it stores.

"Wimpy is opening a new store in Shrewsbury and we have had them in dong some group information sessions.

"We have organised and supported various events. We hope with those events, especially the job fairs, we can cater cater for everyone's need and provide them with an opportunity to find a new job."

In the three months to January the unemployment total in the West Midlands fell by 9,000 to 141,000.

Last month though saw a 4,815 increase in the numbers claiming unemployment benefits, including Jobseeker's Allowance and the unemployment element of Universal Credit, across the West Midlands to 92,780.

Nationally the claimant count increased by 9,200 last month to 837,800 – the highest level for more than three years.

There was a rise of 24,000 in unemployment in the UK to 1.45 million in the quarter, following a similar jump in the previous quarter, but the number of people in work has reached a record high, while earnings have "nudged up" although still growing more slowly than prices.

Record

Employment increased by 168,000 in the quarter to January to 32.2m, the highest figure since records began in 1971, giving a joint record employment rate of 75.3 per cent.

ONS statistician Matt Hughes said: "Employment and unemployment levels were both up on the quarter, with the employment rate returning to its joint highest ever.

"Economically inactive people, those who are neither working nor looking for a job, fell by their largest amount in almost five-and-a-half years.

"Total earnings growth continues to nudge upwards in cash terms. However, earnings are still failing to outpace inflation."

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey said: "Getting a job means securing an income for a family and the chance to build a better future. That's why up and down the country we are doing all we can to help people into work.

"And from next month, we'll be taking thousands more people out of paying tax and also increasing the national living wage, benefiting those on the lowest pay and making sure they keep more of what they earn.

"In fact, by raising the national living wage, we have ensured that the lowest earners have seen their wages grow by almost seven per cent above inflation since 2015."