The number of unemployment claimants in South Staffordshire has continued to decline, according to new figures released today by the Office of National Statistics.
1,435 constituents were claiming unemployment in June 2013, a fall of 54 claimants (0.1 percent*) on the previous month and 75 claimants on June 2012.
This figure represented 3.1 percent of the economically active population and was nearly half that of the 5.6 percent West Midlands average. Furthermore, it remained well below the national average of 4.6 percent.
Youth unemployment also showed signs of significant improvement, falling to 400 claimants. This was a decline of 35 claimants (0.4 percent**) on the previous month and 55 claimants (0.7 percent) on June 2012.
The welcome news comes in the aftermath of a local job fair that Gavin hosted in April 2013, at the Perton Civic Centre.
Gavin said: “This further decline in unemployment is extremely welcome news. I have little doubt that the recent job fair, which was held at Perton Civic Centre on April 26, helped play a part in assisting local job seekers to find roles. The event proved to be a major success, with more than 40 businesses exhibiting on the day and over 400 visitors attending the fair.
“The decline in unemployment is also an excellent indicator of the continued success of our many local business, which are continuing to expand and contribute towards the surrounding community.”
*percentage decline calculated on the total economically active population of South Staffordshire.
** percentage decline is calculated on the total population of 18-24 year olds in South Staffordshire