Unemployment figures in Bosworth

The number of people aged 16 and over claiming unemployment related benefits in Bosworth stood at 2.5% in September, significantly lower than the national average of 3.7%.

This comes as figures from the last quarter (June - August) show unemployment in the UK was down to 3.5%, the lowest it has been since 1974.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that the number of claimants in Bosworth has fallen by 530 over the previous year, and that there were 1,605 claimants in Bosworth last month.

The Member of Parliament for Bosworth, Dr Luke Evans, has welcomed the news but warns there is more still to be done as the current number of unemployed people in the area is higher than in March 2020, before the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Luke Evans said: “When I revisited the Job Centre Plus in Hinckley over the summer, I was pleased to hear that these figures reflect their experiences in our area and that additional help such as the Household Support Fund is getting through to those most in need.

“I know how tough it is for people in our area at the moment, which is why I have welcomed the support that the Government is providing for every home this winter through the Energy Price Guarantee, which places a cap on unit prices for gas (10.3p per kilowatt hour) and electricity (34p p/kWh). People in Bosworth have started to see the benefits of the £400 energy bill grant too, which is split across six months, as the first £66 instalment has already been credited to energy accounts.

“These measures are part of the packages of support that the Government has announced since May – which includes additional help of up to £850 for pensioners and £1,200 for the most vulnerable – and will, I believe, help to offset some of the cost of living pressures over the coming months.

“If you or someone you know needs additional support, please contact my office, the Job Centre Plus, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council or Citizens Advice and we’ll point you in the right direction for whatever help is available.”

---END---