Data shows slight fall in local unemployment, but record fall in pay

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams

Data released by the House of Commons Library shows there were 780 people aged 18-24 claiming unemployment support in June 2022, across the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency.

That is 9% of the local population more than double the UK rate of 4.3%.

Across all age groups there were 4,290 actual claimants across the constituency in June 2022 - 955 more people than in March 2020 before the first lockdown - equivalent to 6.5% of the Oldham East and Saddleworth population, aged 16-64, compared to a UK rate of 3.7%.

However, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in real terms, and adjusted for inflation, over the year, total pay fell by 0.9% and regular pay fell by 2.8% - a record fall.

Commenting on the local unemployment situation, and the latest ONS wage statistics which show a record fall in regular pay, Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams said: “Today's unemployment figures show marginal improvement for us locally, but there has been a record fall in real wages coming after a decade where wages have stagnated for workers across the economy.

“This is because the Conservatives have failed to grow the economy, which has left people more exposed to inflation and the cost of living crisis.

“Labour’s number one mission in government would be to grow our economy, making the country more prosperous and making its people better off.

“In contrast to the Government’s inaction, Labour will reform employment support to help people return to work, tackle the rising cost of living, and build a prosperous economy with quality well-paid jobs.”

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