Norwich jobs figures fall
Ed FossThe number of out-of-work people claiming benefits in Norwich and Norfolk dropped slightly in March compared to the previous month,Ed Foss
The number of out-of-work people claiming benefits in Norwich and Norfolk dropped slightly in March compared to the previous month,
Norfolk's figures reduced from 19,920 to 19,341, a reduction of 579. with Norwich falling by 23 to 4,652
Nationally unemployment rose to a 16-year high and the number of people classed as economically inactive reached record levels.
Interpreted as a pre-election blow against the government, the number of unemployed nationally has hit 2.5m.
The UK's employment rate is now 72pc, the lowest since 1996.
Caroline Williams, chief executive at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: 'These figures are disappointing, but not surprising given the worrying trends that have been apparent in recent months.
Most Read
- 1 Norwich cocktail bar and restaurant relaunches with new name and menu
- 2 Everything you need to know about the Sweet Briar Road closure
- 3 Supporters' fears that Spurs game at Carrow Road may turn nasty
- 4 Sewage seeps through floorboards and blocks sinks in apartment block
- 5 Finishing touches added to new Tesco store in city centre
- 6 Two men charged in connection with Class A drug dealing in Norwich
- 7 Huge 'magazine worthy' bungalow near Norwich is back up for sale for £1.1m
- 8 Fashion boutique to shut with FOUR MONTH closing down sale
- 9 Nursery confirms closure following financial battle
- 10 11 reasons why Norwich is the best city
'They support the British Chambers of Commerce forecast that unemployment is set to reach 2.65 million later this year. Whatever the result of the election, a new government must enable businesses to invest and create jobs.
'Scrapping the proposed employer National Insurance increase next year appears even more important in the light of these figures.
'It is equally important that the regulatory burdens on business are limited in the coming years.'
A breakdown across Norfolk saw all seven districts see falls in claimants according to the monthly figures: Breckland 2,605 (-77), Broadland 1,659 (-3), Great Yarmouth 3,670 (-196), King's Lynn and West Norfolk 2,999 (-118), North Norfolk 1,995 (-56), Norwich 4,652 (-23), South Norfolk 1,761 (-106).
