Employment figures jumped by almost 20,000 for the West Midlands in the most recent quarter, new figures show

Around 2.959 million people are now registered as being in employment in the region, up 17,000 on the quarter and up 67,000 on the year and putting the region's employment rate at 74.3% - itself up 0.5% points on the quarter.

Meanwhile, around 132,000 people are registered as unemployed in the West Midlands, down 8,000 on the quarter but up 13,000 on the year. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is down 0.3% percentage points on the quarter and up 0.3% points on the year. A total of 394,000 people are in non-working households, latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show.

In Shropshire, a rise in the benefits claimant count of around 17% year on year was pinned on people claiming Jobseekers Allowance moving on to Universal Credit being reflected in new statistics. Combined figures for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin saw an extra 1390 people registered as being in receipt of Universal Credit.

"As more people move to Universal Credit from legacy benefits, we can expect a rise in the number of claimants," said a JobCentre spokesperson. 

"We are committed to reviewing Universal Credit so people receive the support they need, while our plan to get Britain working will help more people into work and spread opportunity and prosperity to everyone – wherever they live."

Nationally, the unemployed rate remained consistent at around 4.4 per cent, although levels of pay continued to outstrip inflation, rising 3.4% between October and December compared with the same period a year ago.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP said the Government would be "stepping up their support" for those too sick and disabled to work. 

“Since July wages have continued to grow at pace, putting vital money back in people’s pockets as we work to make work pay and improve living standards for all," she said.

“But these figures also show that too many people are being locked out of work and denied that chance, including those sick and disabled. Instead of writing people off and labelling them, we must step up our support. 

“Through our Get Britain Working reforms we are overhauling Jobcentres, guaranteeing every young person the chance to earn or learn and our upcoming Green Paper will bring fundamental change to a broken system that currently pushes people towards welfare instead of work."