Birmingham Edgbaston has the highest unemployment rate among over-16s in the city, according to new data for the first quarter of 2026. The constituency recorded 16 per cent of its economically active population as unemployed, more than triple the national average.
Data reveals stark contrasts across constituencies
The figures, released by Birmingham City Council Observatory, cover January to March 2026 and highlight the proportion of people aged 16 and over who are unemployed as a percentage of the economically active population. Economically active people are defined as those aged 16 and over who are either employed or unemployed.
The Council defines unemployed as those without a job who were available to start work within two weeks of their interview, and had either searched for work in the month prior to the interview or were waiting to begin a job they had already secured.
Erdington and Ladywood follow closely
Erdington constituency recorded the second-highest rate at 10.6 per cent, followed by Birmingham Ladywood at nine per cent. Birmingham Northfield stood at 8.6 per cent, while Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North came in at 8.1 per cent. Perry Barr constituency recorded 7.5 per cent, Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley 5.1 per cent, and Birmingham Selly Oak 4.9 per cent.
Data for Birmingham Yardley and Sutton Coldfield were not included in the Observatory dataset.
Birmingham's average nearly double the national figure
The mean for all English authorities is 4.8 per cent, while the mean for Birmingham is nearly double at 8.2 per cent. Compared to the wider West Midlands, the figure stands at 7.2 per cent.
These figures come as worrying government data revealed that over a million young people across Britain aged between 16 and 24 were not in education, employment or training in January to March 2026.
Birmingham City Council Observatory shared the data via its official channels, providing a detailed breakdown of unemployment across the city's constituencies.
For context, the national average for England stands at 4.8 per cent, meaning Birmingham's overall rate is significantly higher. The West Midlands regional average is 7.2 per cent, still below Birmingham's city-wide figure.
Impact and context
High unemployment rates can have long-term effects on local communities, including reduced household incomes, increased pressure on public services, and potential impacts on health and wellbeing. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions in the most affected areas.
Birmingham Edgbaston's 16 per cent rate is particularly striking, representing a significant share of its working-age population. This is more than three times the English average and highlights the economic challenges facing parts of the city.
Local policymakers and community groups may use these figures to advocate for additional support, such as job training programmes and investment in local industries. The Council's data provides a valuable tool for understanding where unemployment is most concentrated.
As the city continues to recover from economic pressures, these statistics will be closely monitored to assess progress and guide future strategies.
