Latest employment figures released today serve to illustrate the strength of businesses in the West Midlands, according to Greg Lowson, president of Birmingham Chamber. During the period between December of last year and March 2015, 40,000 new jobs were created in the West Midlands – the largest increase of any region in the UK.

Today’s labour market statistics also show that the unemployment rate for people aged 16 and over for the UK was 5.5 percent for the period February 2015 to April 2015. All regions are showing decreases in the unemployment rate compared with a year ago.

Mr Lowson commented:  “We are pleased to see the combination of rising employment figures whilst unemployment falls across the country. The statistics are indicative of a strengthening UK economy which should allow the business community more economic freedom.

“The growth in the labour market is also consistent with the findings of our Quarterly Economic Surveys which have indicated consistent growth in the West Midlands Labour Force.

“In particular, the West Midlands business community welcomes the impressive achievement of 40,000 new workforce jobs created in the region between December 2014 and March 2015. This highlights the strength of businesses in the area and puts us ahead of all the other regions of the UK,” he added.