DNCC Comments On Latest Unemployment Figures

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Commenting on the unemployment figures for December 2012* published today by the ONS, George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The increase in local unemployment is not surprising given the ongoing challenges in the economy.

 

“Today’s figures confirm the results of the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey for the last three months of 2011, which found that businesses shedding employees are doing so at a faster rate than firms which are recruiting**.

 

“That said, 40% of Derbyshire firms attempted to recruit during Q4 2011 and a further 14% expect the size of their workforce to grow between now and March, which shows that businesses are still creating jobs.

 

“The significant increase in Jobseekers Allowance Credits in Derbyshire is a worrying trend and will put further pressure on the welfare budget at a time when Government is making every effort to cut its spending and bring down the deficit.

 

“With this in mind, it’s vitally important that those looking for work to be flexible, keep their options open and look at ways in which they can adapt their skills and experience or apply them to other areas of work, even if it is in a completely different sector or environment.

 

“The situation is difficult at the moment and with job losses in the public sector likely to continue, every effort must be made to help the private sector create more jobs to absorb this fallout and drive future economic growth. Cutting red tape and making it easier for people to acquire the right skills to match the needs of local employers is vital.

 

“The Government also needs to ensure that the measures announced in the Autumn Statement to reduce unnecessary red tape, ease the flow of credit to viable businesses and facilitate investment in infrastructure and skills are implemented swiftly and effectively to give them the best chance of having their desired effect.”