The number of people living in Cheshire East claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) has fallen again – continuing a two-year downward trend in the Borough.
The latest figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, show that 1,565 people were claiming JSA in the month of October, compared with 1,592 in the previous month.
The percentage figure, 0.7 per cent, is almost half the 1.2 per cent figure for October 2014.
The Council is also pleased that the rate is 50 per cent lower than the North West average and more than 50 per cent lower than the UK average of 1.6 per cent.
Also down on October last year is the number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming JSA, 0.9 per cent of the young adult group receives JSA.
Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones said: "Again this is great, positive news from Cheshire East and shows that the Council's policy to stimulate growth and create jobs is succeeding.
"However, we will not be complacent and will continue in our resolve to ensure Cheshire East remains open for business and the engine which helps supercharge the Northern Powerhouse.
"I remain concerned about the numbers of young adults seeking work and it is my clear intention to see the NEET figure at zero in 2016, if at all possible.
"I am also concerned about the hard core of long-term unemployed and, although the claimant count is below regional and national averages, this is something I want to address and create the opportunity for people to develop the skills that our employers are looking for. This is one reason we are supporting the development of the new UTC in Crewe, for example.
"As an authority we are attracting more businesses to the Borough and that means more jobs."
Photo: Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones.
