Unemployment figures for January 2014 were published today at 9.30am by the Office for National Statistics. The number of unemployed claimants in Sir Edward Garnier’s Harborough constituency (Harborough, Oadby and Wigston) in January 2014 was 982. This represents a rate of 2.0% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 533rd highest of the 650 UK constituencies (where 650th = lowest rate of unemployment). The number of claimants is 330 lower than in January 2013. These data are not seasonally adjusted.
Nationally,
· Unemployment is down by 125,000.
· Employment up 193,000.
· More women are working in Britain than ever before.
· Youth unemployment down 48,000 and 27,000 lower than when Labour left office.
· Over 1 million more people now in full-time work since 2010.
Edward Garnier commented: “The statistics released today should mean more security and hope for families taking home a pay-packet and more opportunities for young people wanting to get a decent start in life. The figures are evidence of a recovery and I am pleased that Harborough has been able to benefit with a 2% unemployment rate and a 3.1% youth unemployment rate compared to the national unemployment rate of 4% and East Midlands 5.1% average youth unemployment rate. Let’s hope that the improvements in the economy are sustained and continued.”