New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed the West Midlands neighbourhoods with the highest and lowest rates of economic inactivity. In some parts of Birmingham, more than half of residents aged 16 and over are not participating in the labour market.
What is economic inactivity?
The ONS defines economically inactive people as those aged 16 or over who did not have a job during the reference week (March 15–21, 2021) and had either not looked for work in the four weeks to March 21 or could not start work within two weeks. In contrast, economically active people are employed, self-employed, or unemployed but waiting to start a job they have accepted.
Top 10 areas with highest economic inactivity
All ten neighbourhoods with the highest inactivity rates are in Birmingham. The top spot is Selly Oak, where 71.3% of people are economically inactive. Edgbaston South & University follows at 58.6%, then North Central & Dartmouth at 56.8%, Saltley East at 56.2%, Sparkbrook North at 56%, Small Heath Park at 55%, Sparkbrook South at 54.9%, Balsall Heath East at 54.7%, and both Sparkhill North and Balsall Heath West & Kingswood Road at 54.2%.
The highest rate in the Black Country is Wednesbury (Walsall) at 49.7%.
Top 10 areas with highest economic activity
The most economically active neighbourhoods are spread across Birmingham, Solihull, Dudley, Sandwell, and Wolverhampton. Ladywood Summer Hill in Birmingham leads at 69.7%, followed by Central Birmingham at 68.7%, Dickens Heath, Cheswick Green & Hockley Heath (Solihull) at 67.2%, Harborne East at 65%, Dibdale (Dudley) at 65%, Withymoor Village (Dudley) at 64%, Bournville East & Stirchley West at 63.9%, Bearwood & Warley Woods (Sandwell) at 62.4%, and both Perry Beeches East (Birmingham) and Oxley Park (Wolverhampton) at 62%.
Impact and context
The ONS noted that the figures relate to a snapshot in March 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data highlights stark contrasts within the region, with student populations likely influencing high inactivity in areas like Selly Oak and Edgbaston, as full-time students are classified as economically inactive unless they also work.
