Chamber comments on falling unemployment figures in the East Midlands

Unemployment among over 16s in the East Midlands has fallen from 5.6% to 5.2%, according to the latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics.

The number of vacancies across the UK in the May to July period was 13.7% lower than the same period a year ago.

The news has been followed by the release of a statement by the Chief Executive of the East Midlands Chamber, Scott Knowles.  

He said: “While unemployment having fallen to 5.2% is encouraging, especially when you take into account that the number of vacancies across the UK dropped again, the skills gap in the East Midlands remains a barrier to getting more people into work.  

"With the unemployment level still higher than a year ago, it’s essential that the government address skills reform in the East Midlands – one of the asks of our Manifesto for Growth – so we can get applicants straight into roles and hit the ground running.”