From June to August 2016, the number of unemployed people increased. Figures show that UK unemployment increased by 10,000 to 1.66 million in the three months following Brexitwhilst the claimant count increased by 11,000.
The West Midlands was highlighted as one of regions in the UK with the highest rate of unemployment at 5.9% compared to 4.9% nationally. The region with the lowest rate of unemployment was the South East at 3.7%.
Here in Selly Oak, the figures show that unemployment among those eligible to work in Selly Oak constituency is up to 4.5% compared to 2.4% nationally. Since September 2015, the rate of unemployment has increased by 6.1%.
Commenting on the figures, Steve McCabe MP said:
“The unemployment statistics are the first real figures we’ve seen post Brexit and they show that the government’s dithering over Brexit is having a real impact on unemployment here in my constituency and across the country. I don’t think enough is being done to invest in jobs and skills in Birmingham and particularly in certain parts of my constituency which are being left behind.
“Today’s figures today show that issues like unemployment are being compounded by rising food prices and can only make life tougher for those already struggling to make ends meet. This simply isn’t good enough from a government that won’t even give employers the most basic information about its Brexit plans”
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