Midlands workers worst hit by slump

Jobs in the West Midlands have been the hardest hit by the recession, according to new figures revealed today.

The unemployment rate has risen by 4.2 per cent to stand at 10.5 per cent – the largest increase in the country.

The neighbouring East Midlands has been one of the regions least affected by the recession, along with the South East and East of England – highlighting key differences between their economies. These three regions saw increases of 1.4, 1.6 and 1.7 percentage points respectively in their unemployment rates.

The South East and the East of England had the highest employment rates at 77.3 per cent and 77.1 per cent.