North West jobless numbers rise
THE number of unemployed people in the North West is up 16.9% on last year, according to new Government figures.
The North West actually suffered a 0.8% rise in unemployment in December – a month which traditionally witnesses a short-term boost in employment as positions become available in the run-up to Christmas.
The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in Greater Manchester climbed by 15.3% last year to around 82,000.
The figure was similar to the November total, which suggests that the usual seasonal impact of Christmas was lacking, with no major increase in short-term employment.
Youth unemployment fell slightly by 1.5% to 26,000, but there are still 4,800 more people aged between 16-24 claiming JSA than there were 12 months ago.
Moreover, the number of long-term claimants in Greater Manchester grew by 45% in 2011 to 33,000.
Ed Cox, director of IPPR North said: “Today’s figures show that there must be more targeted help for struggling regions, otherwise we are in real danger of betraying a whole generation of people who can’t find work.
“These figures show one thing is clear: there must be a greater focus on the North if the UK economy is firing on all cylinders.”
Baron Frankal, director of economic strategy at New Economy, said: “The expected short-term boost as a result of the traditional seasonal employment in December did not materialise. There are now almost 11,000 more JSA claimants in Greater Manchester compared with 12 months ago, which is a serious concern.”
He argues that the way to tackle the rise is by “addressing the core issue of a lack of economic growth”.
“Despite the difficult times, and the fact that they will no doubt get tougher as all the signs point to recession, we must forge more opportunities here in Greater Manchester and invest in things that will help sustain long-term growth, like the Graphene Hub, Airport City and building on further developments in and around MediaCityUK – and spread the proceeds of that growth throughout Greater Manchester”.
Dr Brian Sloan, chief economist at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “We needed to see more urgent government action on proposed infrastructure projects, credit easing and reducing the legislative burden on business to improve the economy’s growth prospects, and with it the hope of job creation.
“Action is needed now, as several months down the line we still are not clear on plans for credit easing and infrastructure investment must refocus on the regions such as the North, where the potential for growth is greatest.”
