Unemployment rockets in West Midlands most affluent areas
Some of the most affluent areas of the West Midlands have seen the number of people out of work more than double in the past year.
Solihull and Sutton Coldfield are feeling the effects of the recession, with the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance increasing rapidly, according to the latest unemployment statistics.
Jobcentre Plus, the employment service, is to launch a series of new schemes next month aimed particularly at helping newly-redundant professionals find work.
It follows warnings from employment minister Tony McNulty that job centres must prepare for a wave of highly-qualified jobseekers who have not traditionally used their services in large numbers.
National figures last week showed that unemployment has risen above two million for the first time since 1997, to reach 2.03 million across the country.
In Sutton Coldfield, the number of claimants almost doubled over 12 months when it increased by 827 people, bringing the total to 1,660 people.
Although the total number out of work is still low in Sutton Coldfield compared to other parts of the city, the rate of increase – 99 per cent – was the highest of all the Birmingham constituencies.
Solihull saw dole queues rise by 870 to 1,674 people, an increase of 108 per cent.
In West Worcestershire, they increased by 665 to 1,217 people, a 120 per cent increase.
The figures, which compare claimant levels in February 2009 to those in February 2008, suggest that the economic downturn is hitting every part of the region, including middle class areas.
