Local unemployment falls

Employment continues to fall in Brighton and Hove.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that the number of unemployed claimants in Hove and Portslade in August 2014 was 1,256.

This figure is 617 lower than that of August 2013 and 76 lower than in July 2014.

Overall, figures show the jobless total is down by 44% since the government came to power in 2010. The latest figures represent a rate of 2.3% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64.

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has welcomed the news and reiterates his position that the Government’s economic recovery remains strong.

Mike said: “I am delighted that we have seen another drop in unemployment nationally and that there has been a huge fall in unemployment locally. These figures highlight how the Government’s economic plans are making a significant difference to the country.”

Cllr Graham Cox, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Hove and Portslade, added: “The fact that unemployment has continued to drop in Hove and Portslade is excellent news for Brighton and Hove. It is really encouraging that over one million more people are now in full time work since the last General Election.”

Figures show that compared to August 2013, there were 482 fewer claimants of Job Seekers Allowance in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven in August, and 83 fewer than in July 2014.

These statistics mirror the general trend in the United Kingdom, with unemployment dropping to 6.2 per cent. The fall in unemployment over the last year was the largest on record and the biggest in the G7.

Commenting on the news, Simon Kirby said: “I am delighted that the unemployment figures for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven are so positive, and that so many more people are finding work. I was particularly pleased that across the country we have also seen the largest annual fall in youth unemployment since records began 30 years ago.”

The figures also revealed that three quarters of the rise in employment (1.3 million jobs) consists of full-time jobs.

He continued: “Whilst these figures are very pleasing, I know there is still more to be done. I will continue to work hard supporting measures to back businesses and create the growth that will enable unemployment to continue to fall, helping many people in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.”