More in work - but Yorkshire’s jobless tally still high

Almost 30 million adults were in a job in the quarter to last November, up by more than half a million on the previous year.

The figure, giving an employment rate of 71%, is the highest since records began in 1971.

Unemployment fell by 37,000 in the latest quarter to just under 2.5 million, the lowest since spring 2011.

In Yorkshire, the jobless tally stands at 241,000 or 8.8% - a drop of 12,000 on the previous quarter.

Nationally, it was the 10th consecutive fall and was coupled with another cut in the number of people claiming jobseeker’s allowance, which was down by 12,100 last month to 1.56 million, the lowest since June 2011.

The number of people classed as economically inactive, including those looking after a relative or who have given up looking for a job, fell by 13,000 to just over nine million.

Part-time employment fell by 23,000, but this was offset by a 113,000 increase in the numbers employed full-time in the three months to November.

Data from the Office for National Statistics also showed a 26,000 increase in the number of women out of work for up to six months, to reach 571,000, which may reflect changes to the benefits system resulting in more single mothers looking for work.

The number of job vacancies in the economy increased by 10,000 to almost half a million at the end of last year, the highest number for four years.

Other figures revealed that the number of self-employed workers has increased by 7,000 to 4.2 million, while unpaid family workers fell by 1,000 to 111,000.

Long-term unemployment has also fallen, down by 10,000 for those out of work for more than two years, to 434,000, and by 5,000 for people unemployed for at least a year, to 892,000.

But the number of 16 to 24-year-olds out of work increased by 1,000 to 957,000, the first rise since last summer, although youth employment showed an increase of 12,000 as more students seek work.

Meanwhile, average earnings increased by 1.5% in the year to November, down by 0.3% on the previous month.

Average total pay in Britain was £472 a week at the end of last year.

Employment minister Mark Hoban welcomed the figures, saying employment had increased for 15 months.

The UK employment rate is growing at almost double the rate of the US, and faster than any other G7 country, he said.

“These are very positive figures showing employment rising for 15 months and despite difficult economic circumstances, unemployment is lower than when this Government took office.

“It’s good to see long-term unemployment falling and the number of young people claiming jobseeker’s allowance dropping again, while the increase in vacancies shows there are jobs out there.

“But we are not complacent, and will continue making sure we give jobseekers the support and training they need to achieve their goal of returning to work.”

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Any fall must be welcome but progress is still painfully slow for the 2.49 million people still desperately looking for a job.”