Unemployment hits 15-year high

OLDHAM’S jobless total jumped to more than 8,000 in January — the highest for more than 15 years.

The figure is in line with the national trend, which has hit a 16–year high.

The number of people out of work in the borough is now 8,115 — 5,546 men, 490 more than the previous month; and 2,569 women, up 156.

The increase can be attributed in part to the number of temporary, part-time and contract posts which came to an end after the festive uptake of staff at distribution and manufacturing sites. But the figures still represents a significant blow to the Oldham economy.

Nationally, unemployment jumped by 48,000 in the quarter to December to 2.67 million, a jobless rate of 8.4 per cent, the worst since 1995.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance rose by 6,900 in January to 1.6 million, the 11th consecutive monthly increase. The number of women claiming the allowance increased by 1,500 last month to 531,700 - against the highest since 1995.

A record number of people are working part–time because they cannot find full–time jobs – up by 83,000 over the latest quarter to 1.35 million.

Employment increased by 60,000 to 29 million, mainly due to a rise of 90,000 in the number of part–time employees to 6.6 million.

Other data from the Office for National Statistics showed a 22,000 increase in youth unemployment to 1.04 million, which includes 307,000 in full–time education who were looking for work.

The 48,000 increase in unemployment was the smallest quarterly rise since last summer.

Economic inactivity, which includes students, long–term sick, people who have retired early or those who have given up looking for work, fell by 78,000 to 9.29 million, 23 per cent of the working age population.