THE NUMBER of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in West Worcestershire is at its lowest since 2005.
Quarterly figures released by the Office for National Statistics show just 499 residents received the benefit in February, March and April – 296 fewer than the same period last year.
It means the number of people claiming JSA in the district has more than halved since 2010, when 1,279 people were out of work and claiming benefits.
Less than one per cent of the district’s population are now out of work and receiving the support, compared to the national average of 1.9 per cent and 2.4 per cent for the West Midlands.
Mike Dzioba, recruitment team leader for the Department of Work and Pensions in Hereforshire and West Worcestershire, said he was pleased to see Malvern Hills performing above the national trend.
“Looking at the Malvern Hills area since last year the number of 18 to 24-year-old claims has dropped by 41 per cent,” he said.
“For all ages it has dropped by 36 per cent so overall it is a success but the success story is even better when you come to look at 18 to 24-year-olds.
“There will always be a turnover of people coming on and off the register, moving in between jobs and it will never get down to zero.
“It is difficult to say at what rate it can go down to because a large part of that is based on the economy.”
It is the first time since 2005 the figures have dropped below 500 and West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said the fall was ‘testament to the increasing strength of the local economy’.
“Businesses are continuing to create new jobs and thousands more people in West Worcestershire now have the security of a regular pay packet,” Mrs Baldwin said.
“Wages are rising faster than inflation and with the widening of the personal tax threshold in April, working people now have more money to take home each month.
“The long-term economic plan will help local business to thrive and grow and create more jobs to help secure a brighter future for West Worcestershire and Britain.”
Simon Smith, economic development manager at Malvern Hills District Council, added: “The continuing reduction in the number of JSA claimants is extremely positive news for the Malvern Hills workforce and economy.
“However, we are not complacent about this and continue to work with partners to highlight local job opportunities.”
