Unemployment levels in Leicester lowest since records began

Figures released today have shown that unemployment in Leicester is now at it’s lowest level since records began in 1983.

The number of unemployed people in the city and county claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell by 516 last month to a total of just 10,172 – the lowest it has been in the last 32 years.

Business leaders across Leicester have hailed these latest figures and say they point to an improved economy for the region.

Kevin Harris, the vice-chairman of Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) said:

“To be the lowest in such a long time is really impressive and shows the city and county are in an incredibly strong position”

While the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce’s head of information, Chris Hobson, said:

“Today’s employment figures are once again extremely positive and show that significant progress has been made in getting more people off jobseekers’ benefits and into work.

This growth in employment could be even better as many businesses are still telling the Chamber that they experience difficulties in finding suitably skilled workers.

The results of our latest quarterly economic survey showed that about two-thirds of firms – twice as many as in the same quarter of 2013 – struggled to recruit people with the skills they need. This is an area which requires urgent focus from policymakers.”