The number of people working increased by 250,000 over the last three months, up 1,244,000 since February to April 2010, with the majority of the increase being full-time, permanent jobs in the private sector. Employment increased in Scotland and Wales and in every region in England.
The figures also show that unemployment fell by 99,000 in the last three months, bringing the unemployment rate to 7.4%, the lowest since 2009.
Employment Minister Esther McVey said: “It is really encouraging news that the number of people in jobs has increased by a quarter of a million in the last three months, bringing the total number of people in work to a record-breaking 30 million. Together with a big fall in unemployment, this shows that the Government’s long-term economic plan to get people off benefits and into work is proving successful.
“It’s also thanks to British businesses up and down the country who are feeling increasingly confident about taking on workers. This is a great sign that the economy is growing.”
Today’s figures also show:
- Youth unemployment fell 19,000 over the last three months to 941,000.
- Youth unemployment for those not in full-time education fell 25,000 over the last three months to 643,000.
- Long-term (1 year plus) unemployment fell 33,000 over the last three months to 866,000 and it is down 38,000 on the year.
- The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell 36,700 this month – the 13th consecutive fall. The number of young people claiming JSA fell for 18th month running
Background to labour market statistics: December 2013
This month’s Labour Force Survey covers August to October 2013. The claimant count is for November 2013 and the vacancy count for September to November 2013.
The number of people in work rose this quarter • 30.09 million people were in work in August to October 2013.
- The employment level rose 250 thousand on the previous quarter and 485 thousand on the year.
- The employment rate is 72.0%, up 0.4 points on the quarter and up 0.8 points on the year.
- ILO unemployment fell this quarter
- 2.39 million people were ILO unemployed in August to October 2013, down 99 thousand on the previous quarter and 121 thousand on the year.
- The ILO unemployment rate is 7.4%, down 0.3 points on the quarter and down 0.5 points on the year. The level of economic inactivity is down on the quarter and on the year
- The economic inactivity level was 8.92 million in August to October 2013, down 45 thousand on the previous quarter and 156 thousand on the year.
- The economic inactivity rate is 22.1%, down 0.1 points on the quarter and down 0.4 points on the year.
- Excluding students, inactivity as a share of the 16-64 population is 16.5%, unchanged on the quarter and down 0.6 points on the year. The number of people on JSA fell this month, and the number claiming one of the other main out-of-work benefits is also improving
- Claimant unemployment was 1,269 thousand in November 2013, down 36.7 thousand on the month and down 299.3 thousand on the year.
- The claimant count rate is 3.8%, down 0.1 points on the month and down 0.9 points on the year.
- The figures continue to be affected by welfare reform, including re-assessment of existing claims for incapacity benefits and equalisation of the state pension age.
- In the year to May 2013, the number claiming incapacity benefits fell 71,600 to 2.46 million. The most recent provisional figure for October 2013 suggests the caseload is at about the same level.
- In the year to May 2013, the number of lone parents on income support fell 77,400 to 500,000. The provisional figure for October 2013 is 490,000. The number of redundancies fell and unfilled vacancies rose on the quarter
- There were 120 thousand redundancies in August to October 2013, down 1 thousand on the previous quarter and 27 thousand on the year.
- ONS’ vacancy survey estimates an average of 562 thousand unfilled vacancies in the three months to November 2013, up 22 thousand on the previous quarter and 73 thousand on the year. Total weekly pay in October 2013 was up by 0.9% over the year
- Growth in regular weekly pay, excluding bonuses, was up by 0.8% on the year.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY IN THE REGION…
Grahame Nix, Chief Executive of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “It is heartening to see that we are ending the year with more positive employment statistics and there is strong expectation that we will see the same pattern continuing into 2014. Here at the LEP, we are focused on helping our local economy to grow further and have a number of schemes underway to ensure that we can create even more jobs in the New Year.”
John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce: “Confidence remains high in Cambridgeshire and businesses continue to demonstrate resilience and determination as our region leads the economic recovery. However it is their flexibility and innovative approach that has ensured businesses understand the need to equip their workforce with the skills needed to take advantage of new and different opportunities for economic success.
“The companies that we speak to are committed to identifying existing skills gaps within their organisation and using the tools available to them to upskill their existing workforce and equip new employees with the skills needed to ensure their organisation remains focussed on growth.”
Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce: “The rise in private sector employment since 2010 is both welcome and encouraging and is hopefully a sign of further good things to come in the future. We are also pleased to see the rise in apprenticeships within Essex itself which have increased by over 9% in the past year. We have worked with Essex County Council to promote their apprenticeship scheme to employers and congratulate them on their success to date.”
John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber said: “Due to their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, Suffolk businesses are now showing clear signs of growth. These latest figures make for some positive reading, with private sector employment in the region up by 129,000 on last year’s comparator. It is particularly pleasing to see apprenticeship numbers up by 19% in Suffolk, well ahead of the national average. The Chamber will continue to work with partners and employers to ensure that the skills agenda stays on the top of the Governments agenda, demanding that initiatives are business focused and business led, so that the business community takes a leadership role in shaping the skills needs of our young people and current workforce. The recently launched City Deal in Suffolk will bring these partners together to drive forward the skills agenda with aspiration to make a step change in the years to come’’
East
Level Change on latest period Change on year
Employment (Aug-Oct 2013) 2,969,000 +46,000 +70,000 ILO unemployment (Aug-Oct 2013) 176,000 -35,000 -40,000 Inactivity (Aug-Oct 2013) 728,000 +17,000 +1,000 Claimant Count (November 2013) 89,200 -3,100 -23,800 IB/ESA (May 2013) 179,500 -600 -1,200 IS lone parents (May 2013) 40,100 -400 -5,700
Key Facts
- In the East of England, private sector employment is up by 144,000 since 2010 and is up by 129,000 in the last year (Q3 2013).
- Over the past year, the number of people starting new apprenticeships has increased by 15.2% to over 45,000 (2011/12).
- 21,500 people left JSA this month in the East. We would expect 2/3 to go into work.
- From June 2011 to June 2013, 13,300 people moved from long term unemployment into lasting work, whilst on the Work programme. There were 91,450 referrals and 89,110 attachments during this time period.
Local information
Apprenticeship starts (latest data: 2011/12)
- Over the past year, the number of people starting new apprenticeships in Essex (Local Education Authority) has increased by 9.1% to over 11,900.
- The number of people starting new apprenticeships in Suffolk (Local Education Authority) has increased by 19.4% to 6,400.
FULL REGIONAL BREAKDOWN HERE:
The tables associated with the release will be available at:
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-293055