Latest county economic data now available

The latest unemployment statistics for the county have been published by Worcestershire County Council this week.

The County Economic Summary for August 2010 reveals that the claimant count for Worcestershire in July 2010 was 10,743 (3.9% of the economically active population).  This represents a decrease of 18 claimants in comparison to the previous month and a decrease of 2,455 on the same period last year. 

The number of people claiming job seekers allowance in Worcestershire has stabilised in recent months.  On average, the number of claimants has decreased by 1.6% per month since August 2009, compared to an average monthly increase of over 16% between November 2008 and February 2009.

The number of notified job vacancies was 3,471, a 10.6% decrease compared to the number of vacancies in June 2010 and a 51.4% increase on the number in July 2009.

The monthly round-up of employment facts and figures has been compiled and published by the County Council's Research & Intelligence team. The statistics are broken down by wards and districts as well as showing the picture for the whole of Worcestershire. The summary also compares the county with the latest regional and national data and reveals patterns that emerge over time.

The County Council is a key partner in Worcestershire's Economy Action Group, which was created in response to the national recession, and provides valuable economic information to the public and private sectors all around the county.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Economy & Performance, said: "I hope that local businesses and organisations take the opportunity to utilise this free resource,  providing valuable information which can be used to support and strengthen the local economy."

A wide range of facts and statistics about the county and its economy can be found for free at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/research.