Figures released today by the Office for National Statistics have revealed that Selly Oak constituency is 63rd highest out of 650 constituencies for unemployment across the country, meaning the constituency remains in the top 10% of constituencies nationally with the highest unemployment rate.
The figures show that 4.7% of the economically active population are unemployed, this is compared to the UK average of 2.5%. Unemployment in Selly Oak constituency has increased on this time last year.
Commenting on the figures, local MP Steve McCabe said:
“It is very concerning that my constituency remains in the top 10% for unemployment across the country. One of my key pledges during the election campaign was about encouraging more investment, good jobs and high quality apprenticeships in our area and these figures today show this is more important than ever.
“We need new initiatives to encourage more apprenticeships for young people in Selly Oak and we need to work with small businesses to help them recruit. This is something I will be focusing on in the coming months and will be working with local businesses and schools to see how we can work together locally to improve the chances for our young people and those who have been unemployed for some time.”
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