Small jobs bump but many still unable to access work - Chamber

Many in the West Midlands - particularly young people - still remain out of work and unable to access jobs despite a small increase in employment, business leaders said today.

According to the Office for National Statistics, employment in the region rose by 0.3 per cent from the previous quarter.

The unemployment rate fell by 0.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent, and inactivity rate grew by 0.3 per cent to 21.5 per cent.

Although workforce jobs decreased in most regions of the UK, between September and December 2020, the West Midlands had the largest increase of workforce jobs, by 26,000.

Compared to national figures, the West Midlands ' growth in employment rate bucked the national trend.

The employment rate for the UK was down 0.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter, while unemployment was also down by 0.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The coronavirus crisis continues to take toll on our local economy. While businesses are finally beginning to safely reopen, many individuals remain out of work and unable to access jobs.

“Among those hardest hit by the economic consequences of this pandemic will be Birmingham 's young people. The latest available statistics indicate that over 16,000 young people in our city are currently struggling to find work.

“The Chambers are currently partnering with Birmingham City Council on a research project which seeks to understand the impact of Covid-19 on young people and what needs to be done to prevent a 'crisis cohort ' with diminished employment prospects and earning potential.

“We need the help of local businesses to understand how organisations such as the Chambers and Birmingham City Council can support these individuals into work experience and employment. If you can spare a few minutes to complete our survey it would be hugely appreciated. ”

There is reason for slight optimism, however, particularly in the West Midlands, where 26,000 additional jobs were created.

Saria Demmer, chief executive of SF Recruitment, said: "It is positive to see the West Midlands have the largest increase in workforce jobs in the UK during this latest period.

"With major corporates like HSBC and Goldman Sachs choosing Birmingham as its main home, there has been a positive impact on the region 's employment compared to the UK as a whole."

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