Big rise in private sector employment and fall in overall unemployment welcome as the economy stabilises
Rising private sector employment and a fall in the overall number of people unemployed is a welcome step in the right direction Employment Minister Chris Grayling said today.
New figures published by the Office for National Statistics today show:
– A rise of 143,000 of people in employment driven entirely by growth in the private sector;
– A rise of 140,000 in the number of people in full-time work;
– A fall of 17,000 in the overall number of people unemployed;
– A fall of 15,000 in the number of unemployed young people not in full time education (from 681,000 to 666,000) over the quarter;
– A rise of 27,000 in the number of students in full time education looking for work (from 270,000 to 297,000) over the quarter;
– A fall of 11,000 in the number of unemployed young people compared to last month’s published figure (from 974,000 to 963,000);
– Almost half a million vacancies in the economy;
– A rise of 700 in the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, following last month’s 8,500 fall, with the trend still close to flat.
Chris Grayling said:
“These figures are another step in the right direct direction, it’s good news to see a rise in the number of full time jobs in the private sector and the fall in unemployment is welcome. It is also reassuring to see a fall in the number of young people not in full time education who are unemployed.
“However, there are challenges ahead and our priority is to continue to support the economy, by reducing the deficit and putting in place measures to encourage growth in the private sector.”
Ministers have made it clear that tackling youth unemployment remains a priority with the growth in apprenticeships and work experience opportunities key to giving young people a head start in finding and keeping a job with a future.
To enable young people to get valuable work experience Government has changed the rules so that young people can do up to two months work experience and keep their benefits. Under previous rules it was for only two weeks. Jobcentre Plus offices around the country are working with local businesses to refer young people onto work experience opportunities.
Jobseekers that need extra support will be helped back into sustained employment via the new Work Programme, which comes on stream in the summer. Private and voluntary sector organisations will be investing £581m upfront in what will be the biggest welfare to work programme this country has ever seen to provide tailored support built around the needs of individuals. Organisations will be paid by results and allowed to develop support that really addresses the needs of jobseekers.
Source : Department for Work and Pensions Press Release
