Unemployment continues to drop in the West Midlands

UNEMPLOYMENT in the West Midlands has fallen again – but at a slower rate than in previous months, latest figures show.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics shows the region’s jobless total fell by 5,000 in the November to January quarter to 182,000.

The figure is a far cry from the spectacular 32,000 drop seen during the October to December quarter but nevertheless, the trend remains encouraging and the latest decline – 0.3% – is in line with the national average.

The region’s unemployment rate now stands at 6.5%; above the national average of 5.7% but still better than it was.

This time last year there were 46,000 more unemployed people in the region and the rate was 1.7% higher.

Nationally, the unemployment total fell to 1.86m for the November to January quarter – a decline of 102,000. The total is 479,000 lower than this time last year.

The 5.7% rate is better than the Government had predicted for the end of the Parliament and will boost the Conservatives as they gear up for their last few weeks in office.

There was also encouraging news on pay, as latest figures showed salaries rising 1.8% including bonuses (1.6% excluding them).