A nomis report from the Office for National Statistics shows that just 1.0% of all people under pensionable age who are available for, and actively seeking work are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance*.
The figure of 1.0% is a record low for South Somerset and is much better than the South West average of 1.5% and is also well under half the national average of 2.4%.
Unemployment in South Somerset is at just 4.4% according to figures also recently published in the nomis report**.
The report says that South Somerset has an unemployed percentage of just 4.4%, compared with 5.8% in the South West and 7.5% nationally. It is therefore estimated that only 3,600 residents of working age are currently unemployed in the district.
Councillor Jo Roundell Greene, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development said, “When we entered recession in 2008, the District Council took a brave and long term view – to work more effectively with partners, support our market town economies, invest in direct business support, to nurture new high growth business through the Yeovil Innovation Centre and to commit fully to the Chard Regeneration Plan.
“These commitments were prioritised in our Council Plan, the first focus of which is Jobs. We stated that “We want a strong economy which has low unemployment and thriving businesses”. South Somerset District Council’s Economic Development Strategy made clear just how this would be achieved. I am delighted to see how this hard work and commitment through difficult times and with little resource has helped restore economic growth and increased employment in our district”.
*Total JSA claimant figures June 2014
**unemployment figures between January 2013 – December 2013