Ministers have pledged to keep increasing support for jobseekers as figures out today show the rise in unemployment is continuing to slow, with fewer people becoming long term unemployed than anticipated in April’s Budget.
Today’s figures show that while the overall number claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance rose by 20,800 last month, almost 336,000 people left the count.
ILO unemployment is at 2.47m. The quarterly rise of 88,000 is significantly lower than in previous months – showing that the Government’s £5 billion extra investment to help jobseekers is taking effect.
The figures also show that the number of 16-24 year olds classed as ILO unemployed has increased by 19,000 to 946,000. However most of that increase is accounted for by a 17,000 rise in the number of full time students who are also looking for work. Around a quarter of the 16-24 year olds ILO unemployed are full time students.
Last month, the number of 18-24 year olds claiming Jobseekers Allowance rose by 7,900.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper said: “These figures show families across the country are still being affected by the global recession. Although unemployment isn’t as high today as many feared it would be at the time of the Budget, it remains a serious problem, which is why we must keep increasing support and advice to get people back into jobs. We will not leave them on their own.”
As part of the Government’s support for young people in particular, Ministers also announced today that the third round of winning Future Jobs Fund (FJF) bidders will create almost 5,000 more jobs. This brings the total number of jobs that will be created through FJF so far to almost 60,000.
Young people in Barnsley, London and Hove have already started work through the Fund in a range of different sectors giving the young unemployed, the chance to learn a range of skills by working for charities, businesses and public bodies.
New figures published today show that more than 8,000 people have benefited from the new Six Month Offer. In addition, over 40,000 people are finding jobs through Local Employment Partnerships every month which will help a total of 750, 000 people back into work by the end of next year.
Employment Minister, Jim Knight said: “I’m pleased to announce another 5,000 jobs, created through the Future Jobs Fund, taking the total to almost 60,000 so far. These jobs are just one of the ways the Government’s extra investment is helping people to get back into work. Our £5bn injection to support jobseekers is helping people at every stage.
“Whilst 70 per cent of people still leave Jobseeker’s Allowance within six months, those who remain unemployed for longer get extra help through the new Six Month Offer, Local Employment Partnerships and the Future Jobs Fund.”
