Good news for employment rate in Yorkshire

YORKSHIRE’s economy is “turning a corner” after the employment rate in the region was in the top three UK climbers, according to the CBI.

Official labour market data has revealed that the national unemployment rate dropped by 0.1% to 7.8%, with the total number of unemployed across the UK falling to 2.5m.

The ONS figures confirmed that employment rose by 0.4% in Yorkshire and the Humber between October and December 2012 – the third highest increase of any region in the UK.

Andrew Palmer, CBI regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “It is good news again that despite tough economic conditions, unemployment is falling.

“The news about Yorkshire and the Humber is particularly positive and shows our economy is turning a corner.

“While unemployment in the region is still higher than we would like, these figures show it continues to close the gap on other parts of the UK.”

Tony Dolphin, IPPR’s chief economist, added: “Today’s labour market figures are more good news, with employment increasing sharply and unemployment falling. The rapid increase in employment – at a time when the economy is not growing – continues to be a puzzle, but is welcome nonetheless.”