The West Midlands enjoyed the largest increase in employment of any UK region for the third consecutive month, according to job figures released today.
The region’s employment rate now stands at 74.9 per cent after a 1.2 per cent increase between April and January.
In a further boost, unemployment fell by 0.3 per cent and the inactivity rate decreased by 1.1 per cent.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said the continued rise in employment is a clear sign of the region’s renaissance.
Chief executive Paul Faulkner (pictured) said: “The West Midlands is in the midst of an exciting era: a period of massive regeneration, fuelled by innovative businesses and innovative leadership.
“Our latest Quarterly Business Report showed more manufacturing and services sector businesses in Greater Birmingham adding to their headcounts, and a slight decline in those facing difficulties doing so.
“Indications suggest that many West Midlands residents are rising to the challenge and accessing the wealth of new opportunities in the region, but we must persist with collective efforts to upskill the region.
“The Bank of England’s recent interest rate rise was partially predicated on consistent employment gains, and in the West Midlands we are now consistently outpacing national figures.
“For the third consecutive month the West Midlands has seen the largest increase in employment rate of any UK region.
“Less than a year ago, we were calling for stronger interventions from stakeholders to tackle the country’s third lowest employment rate, which came coupled with worryingly high unemployment and inactivity figures.
“We have seen significant improvements in the proportion of the population accessing work since the start of the year.”
But Mr Faulkner warned there is work still to be done to upskill workers, with the region still having the second highest unemployment rate in the UK, after London.
He added: “However, there is still far more that must be done to tackle the high unemployment in the region – particularly around raising local skill levels. The majority of businesses recruiting are still experiencing problems accessing the skilled talent they need.
“We must also closely monitor any further decreases in average hours worked across the region, and make efforts to ensure that rising employment figures represent gainful employment that meets the aspirations of local people.
“The Chambers are incredibly proud to be a part of Birmingham and the West Midlands, and to be working with over 3,000 businesses and stakeholders to ensure local potential is realised.”
