Worcester’s MP Robin Walker was pleased that the latest job statistics which show that the claimant count in the city is the lowest it has been since May 2020 and has fallen more than 1400 since it peaked during the covid Pandemic.
The latest official figures show that there are 2,370 people in Worcester claiming universal credit or 3.7% of the working population, compared to 3.8% nationally and 4.9% across the West Midlands. They mark the fourth consecutive month of falling unemployment after a small rise in February. Even stronger figures for women show that just 2.8% are unemployed and that the number of female claimants has fallen by over 500 or 38% since the peak. Youth unemployment statistics also show progress with just 370 people under the age of 25 claiming benefits compared to 765 just over two years ago and a youth unemployment rate of 3.6% versus the national rate of 4.4%.
Nationally there are 2 million more women in work than there were in 2010 and the number of people claiming benefits is at its lowest level since the pandemic began to have an impact.
DWP Minister, Julie Marson MP said:
“It’s fantastic news that today we’ve got 2 million more women in work than in 2010, and the latest OECD data shows we have the second highest level of women in work in the G7.”
“As we grow the economy, it’s vital we make sure everyone can find a job that’s right for them – and importantly that they can progress in work.”
“That’s why we’re keeping up our support to get people at any age or career stage into work, including a new multi-million pound offer to help the over 50s get into, and remain in employment.”
To help working mothers, the government recently announced a new package of measures to increase childcare support for parents amid rising costs. This included a call for more parents to take up support through Universal Credit, which allows families to reclaim up to 85% of their childcare costs, worth up to £1,108 per month.
The government knows that work is the best route out of poverty, and people can be £6,000 better off in work that out of work on benefits. DWP work coaches are supporting jobseekers, at any age or stage, get into secure and long-term employment, because as well as financial benefits a job also brings social and wellbeing benefits.
DWP is also investing a further £22 million in its 50PLUS Champions jobcentre support package. The recent announcement means more over 50s jobseekers will receive more one-to-one employment support, so they can continue to reap the benefits of their invaluable work experience and boost earnings ahead of retirement.
The jobs figures out today come as the DWP’s Way to Work jobs drive reached its target of helping half a million people on benefits find work in five months and as the department sets out to build on its in-work progression agenda – helping working people receiving Universal Credit to progress in their jobs and earn more money for their families.
Commenting, Robin Walker, who recently visited Worcester’s job centre to hear about the success of the way to work campaign, said
“I am proud of all this government is doing to support the economy and make work pay. At a time of great pressure on the cost of living it is vital that we keep up the progress with getting people into work and ensuring people can keep more of what they earn. I welcome the fact that more people are on payrolls than ever before and that unemployment is back down to well below the level it was when I first became Worcester’s MP. In particular, I welcome the fact that youth unemployment has halved in just over two years.”
“Given some of the pressures we have faced first from the covid pandemic and more recently from the war in Ukraine and inflation, it is remarkable how well our economy has recovered and these figures are testament to that. Worcester woman always had a reputation as someone who worked hard and made a difference, and I am delighted that these latest figures show more women getting work and Worcester outperforming the strong national picture.”
Notes to editors
For the latest job statistics on Worcester see:
Labour Market Profile - Nomis - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics (nomisweb.co.uk)
For the national job figures see:
Two million more women in work since 2010, as UK unemployment remains low - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For Robin’s previous commentary on unemployment see:
Data shows further falls in Worcester unemployment | Robin Walker (walker4worcester.com)