Unemployment in the West Midlands has risen to 5.6%, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), highlighting a challenging job market in the region. The rate is higher than the UK average, which stands at 4.2%.
Regional unemployment above national average
The West Midlands now has one of the highest unemployment rates among UK regions, with only the North East and Wales recording higher figures. The ONS data, released on Tuesday, shows that the number of unemployed people in the region increased by 12,000 in the three months to February, reaching a total of 156,000.
In contrast, the UK as a whole saw a slight fall in unemployment, with the national rate dropping to 4.2% from 4.3% in the previous quarter. The West Midlands' rate has been consistently above the national average for the past year, reflecting structural challenges in the regional economy.
Impact on local communities
The rise in unemployment is particularly concerning for young people, with the youth unemployment rate in the region standing at 12.1%, compared to 10.3% nationally. According to the ONS, the increase in unemployment has been driven by a fall in the number of people in work, as well as a rise in the number of people looking for jobs.
Local business leaders have expressed concern about the impact on the region's economy. "The West Midlands is facing a challenging job market, and these figures underline the need for targeted support for businesses and workers," said a spokesperson for the West Midlands Combined Authority.
What is being done?
The government has announced a range of measures to help people back into work, including the Kickstart scheme for young people and additional funding for job centres. The West Midlands Combined Authority is also investing in skills training and apprenticeships to help address the skills gap.
However, analysts warn that the region's economy may take time to recover, with sectors such as manufacturing and hospitality still struggling to recruit. The ONS figures also show that the number of job vacancies in the West Midlands has fallen by 5% in the last quarter, indicating a slowdown in hiring.
Unemployment is expected to remain a key issue in the region in the coming months, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on households. The next set of ONS figures will be released in May, and will be closely watched by policymakers and businesses alike.
