ERSA welcomes the latest set of labour market statistics for April to June 2017, which show unemployment down by over 57,000 on the quarter and with the rate falling to 4.4% – the lowest since 1975. The statistics also show that the number of women in work is at a new record high at over 70.5%. There was however also concerning news, with average earnings falling by 0.5% in the past three months, and with unemployment also rising for young people.
Sam Windett, ERSA’s Head of Policy and Communications, said:
“ERSA welcomes the latest ONS stats published today, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.4%, the lowest it has been since 1975. These impressive figures underline the hard work of jobseekers, employers and the frontline employment support providers that help people to enter work.
“The topline stats, however, mask significant issues that continue to underlie the positive headlines. In particular, pockets of high unemployment remain in certain geographies and among certain demographics. Notably, the government must do more to support young people, a group which lacks a coherent UK-wide offer of good quality support. This must be addressed as a priority if we are to have a productive and inclusive labour market post-Brexit
