CHAMBER NEWS
Unemployment figures rise in the East Midlands
The number of people in work in the East Midlands fell during the three months to the end of January 2019, according to figures released recently. Data from the Office for National
Statistics showed there were more than 2,000 fewer people in work compared with the three months to the end of October. The number of people shown as
out of work increased by 3,900 over the same periods and the percentage of the workforce unemployed rose to 4.7, up from 4.5 and worse than the national figure of 3.9. In total, there were 2,311,336
people in work in the East Midlands in the three months to the end of January, which was 2,057 lower than three months earlier but 17,009 higher than a year earlier and 20,274 higher than two years ago. The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance rose across
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Chris Hobson, Director of Policy
at the Chamber, which won the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber of the Year Award in November, said: “There have been quite a few fluctuations over recent reporting periods in how the region is fairing compared with the national picture but the trend now would seem to be in the negative. “This is reflective of what our members are telling us about the difficulties they are having finding the right people to fill vacancies and also the doubts and uncertainties they have over external factors, such as Brexit. “Businesses need clarity and
certainty to perform to their best but they are mired in doubt and uncertainty over Brexit so they don’t feel confident investing in plant, premises or people.”
The number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants are rising in the region Statement failed to send strong message
Commenting on the recent Spring Statement, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at the Chamber, said: “Mr Hammond painted a positive picture of where UK plc currently is and how, as the fifth largest economy in the world, it is within our gift to become stronger in the years ahead. “But this came with a significant
caveat, and he made no attempt to veil a warning that in his opinion the future success would be undermined if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. “Beyond referencing the tariffs
announcement, he didn’t send any messages to Brussels about how the Government will make sure the UK remains a priority for international investment. He talked about infrastructure investment, including railways and broadband, and referenced the Northern Powerhouse’s transport plans but didn’t mention HS2 Phase2b Eastern Leg, electrification of the Midlands Main Line or the East Midlands at all despite the continued per capita under investment in this region. “We were pleased to see that he is
taking steps to end what he called ‘the scourge of late payment’ suffered by small businesses – an issue that continues to worsen for many of our members – and we look
38 business network April 2019
Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer
‘There remains a feeling that more could be done to underline the real opportunities we have in the East Midlands’
forward to seeing the outcome of this. Mr Hammond’s announcement of a mandate to end installation of carbon-generating heating systems in new homes by 2025 is a positive for the environment. There are many people working in companies in the
East Midlands making gas-fired boilers and there must be support available to these businesses to help them make the transition to more sustainable ways of working. “All in all, Mr Hammond has essentially delivered a holding
statement, hinting at a further ‘Deal Dividend Statement’ in early summer only if the country secures an orderly exit from the EU. “While this won’t come as any
surprise to businesses, there remains a feeling that more could be done to underline the real opportunities we have in the East Midlands – it is essential that Government recognises these and backs us to achieve them.”
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