Derbyshire chamber is pleased with drop in Jobseekers Allowance claimants

The number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants in Derbyshire fell in August by 415 compared with July and by 4,071 compared with August 2013, according to figures released this month.

Countywide, not including the city, the number of claimants in August was 8,237 compared with 8,652 in July and 12,308 in August 2013, according to the Derbyshire chamber of commerce.

In Derby, the number of people out of work and claiming the benefit dropped 404 from 4,601 in July to 4,197. Compared with August 2013 the number of claimants was down 2,248.

Across the East Midlands there were 2,337,000 people economically active in the three months to the end of July with 2,206,000 in employment. The unemployment rate over the period was down from 6.1% to 5.6% at 130,000.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, said: “Today’s employment statistics are once again encouraging and continue the positive month-on-month trend we have seen across the East Midlands for a considerable period of time.

“Headline rates of unemployment and claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance remain at pre-recession levels, which highlights just how strong and flexible the local labour market is at present.

“Evidence from businesses operating across a range of sectors shows confidence is rising, which is being reflected by increases in staffing levels at many local companies.

“The economy is progressing well, but in order to strengthen it further, additional policy focus should be placed on ensuring the increase in employment we have seen over the past year is complemented by the enhancements in productivity required to absorb spare capacity within the economy. This is inevitably linked with supporting greater business investment in the region in both people and equipment.”