Extra 7,000 people on unemployment benefits in West Midlands despite fall in unemployment rate

However the Department for Work and Pensions says the rise is consistent with claimants moving on to Universal Credit from legacy benefits not included in previous numbers, with the region's unemployment rate falling slightly to track in line with the national average at 4.3%.

In the West Midlands Combined Authority area, Sandwell saw the greatest rise in claimant count with 15,950 people now claiming Universal Credit, a rise of 2,670 over the most recent period, with 11,410 in Walsall(+1,965). A total of 13,195 are now claiming unemployment benefits in Wolverhampton (+1,280) with 10,085 in Dudley(+1,105).

In Shropshire, 5,010 people are included in the Universal Credit employment benefits figures, up 795, while in neighbouring Telford and Wrekin 4,770 people are claiming(+805). Across the border in Powys, 2,180 are in receipt, up 375.

• Walsall: 11,410 +1,965

• Sandwell: 15,950 +2,670

• Dudley: 10,085 +1,105

• Wolverhampton: 13,195 +1,280

• Stafford: 2,180 +155

• South Staffordshire: 1,785 +110

• Telford: 4,770 +805

• Shropshire: 5,010 +795

• Powys: 2,070 +375

• Birmingham: 80,545 +18,005

The DWP says numbers are likely to continue to rise into the new year as more claimants are migrated onto Universal Credit.

“It’s been a busy, positive year at our jobcentre with everyone working hard to help jobseekers and employers," said Job Centre spokesperson Cathy Taylor. 

"We’ve built new partnerships with businesses, some recruiting in our office, and a great example of this is the promotion of Older Workers Week’ with the Wolverhampton one City Jobs fair, held on November 26. 

"We’ve also held several, online and in-person job fairs, including the very popular specialist events for the 50 Plus and young people.

“Looking to the new year we have vacancies in virtually every sector, whether that’s hospitality or health care. Going forward we’ll be looking to expand our services to open up helping more people into fulfilling employment. Importantly job seeking parents on Universal Credit, can get extra financial help through increased childcare payments”.

The labour market figures from the Office for National Statistics show that, in the West Midlands region, 2.934 million people are in employment – up 30,000 on the quarter and up 20,000 on the year. The employment rate is 73.9%, up 0.6% on the quarter and down 0.8% on the year.