Oldham continues to buck trend on jobs

OLDHAM’S jobless total has bucked the national trend by falling again, according to latest figures.

The total of jobseekers’ allowance claimants last month was 2,344 — 1,410 men and 934 women; a fall of 38 on the previous month. The figure for those claiming jobseekers’ allowance or universal credit in July was down by 138 to 4,371.

Nationally, unemployment total rose for the second successive month, reaching 1.85 million.

Oldham Jobcentre Plus spokesman Ian Mitchell said the borough had enjoyed positive jobs news over recent months, while a year-on-year comparison showed there were now 735 fewer jobless claimants than in July, 2014.

The total number of claimants aged 18-24 is 1,390, a fall on the year of 102 or 14 per cent. In comparison the region has fallen by only 11 per cent

Mr Mitchell said: “Year-on-year figures are more reliable and give us a better picture of trends in the labour market. It’s good news that Oldham’s fall in claimant numbers is higher than the regional trend. There are a number of good projects here focusing on jobs, CVs and careers advice.”