IRRV Alert - week ending 25th October

Dramatic fall in the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance

The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance fell dramatically over the last month, by more than 40,000.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell dramatically over the last month (more than 40,000) – the biggest drop in a single month since 1997.

That contributes to a total fall of 450,000 in the number of people claiming out-of-work benefits since early 2010.

And for the first time since the end of 1997, Jobseeker’s Allowance claims fell in every local authority in Great Britain over the last year.

Top 10 falls (over the year) by total number

Down by:

5,145 in Birmingham
3,485 in Glasgow
2,920 in County Durham
2,778 in Leeds
2,681 in Liverpool
2,309 in Bristol
2,282 in Derby
2,195 in Manchester
2,067 in Kingston upon Hull
2,001 in Cornwall

Minister for Employment Esther McVey said:

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance is down in every local authority over the past year. Off the back of a global recession, this is not something that should be sniffed at. It’s a huge testament to the tenacity and determination of business owners and workers in this country.
Add to this the fact that the last month saw falls in both long term and youth unemployment – and the fact that there are now a million more people in jobs compared to when this government took office and we can see that this government is making good on our commitment to helping people get off benefits and into work.

The percentage change in claimant count levels in GB: defined by LA: Sept 2012 and Sept 2013

PDF, 973KB, 1 page

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Text version: the percentage change in claimant count levels in GB: defined by LA: Sept 2012 and Sept 2013 (PDF, 153KB, 8 pages)

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