Unemployment levels in two areas of Birmingham are among the worst in England, with the jobless total said to have reached a crisis point. The issue has recently gained national attention following criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch during a visit to the city.
Perry Barr and Ladywood hit hardest
According to the latest figures, over a quarter of residents in Perry Barr (28.4%) are out of work, making it one of the country's jobless capitals. Around a quarter (24.9%) are also unemployed in Ladywood. Combined with another report that recently placed the six poorest parts of England in Birmingham, the situation paints a bleak picture for the city.
Birmingham's overall unemployment rate
The overall unemployment rate in the city stands at 13.6%, with the average driven up by places like Perry Barr and Ladywood. This rate is more than double the West Midlands average and nearly triple the national average. A recent study also named Birmingham as the second most deprived place nationally.
Labour Councillor Katherine Iroh said: 'Across our city, regeneration is accelerating but too many Birmingham residents are still not benefiting from the jobs and skills that regeneration should bring. Across Birmingham, unemployment remains one of the highest in the country – 13.6%, more than double the West Midlands average and nearly triple the national average.'
Political reactions
Tory leader Ms Badenoch expressed her dissatisfaction during a recent interview with the Local Democracy Reporting System, though critics may argue that years of Conservative policies are partially to blame for jobless levels and lack of opportunities. She added: 'We want to scrap business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure above a certain level. All of those things will help create jobs and make life easier for businesses so they can employ people. If they can’t afford to keep going, then they’re not going to employ anyone – and that’s really important. We’re thinking about the people who work really hard and need support – there are many of them in Birmingham.'
