Mark welcomes the news that local unemployment figures for April are down by 107 since the month before. Nevertheless, the local MP maintains that figures are still too high.
The statistics, released today (16th May 2012) by the House of Commons Library, show that the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in Wyre Forest has decreased from 2,431 to 2,324. This represents 4.8% of the economical active population aged 16 to 64. Wyre Forest is the 355th highest of the 650 UK constituencies, meaning it's unemployment figures are above average.
Speaking about the figures Mark said:
"Whilst it is encouraging to see the unemployed figures coming down month by month, it is still too high at 4.8% of the Wyre Forest population. What is encouraging is that Jobcentre plus is reporting 500 available jobs meaning that there is work out there. But clearly, with more than four people looking for each job, we need to do more to bring more opportunity to Wyre Forest.
Recent announcements suggest we are turning the corner and new investment into Wyre Forest is building. This is a very good sign and we must not rest on our laurels but must spend more time attracting more businesses."
Recent announcements include: Tesco and Asda creating new stores; M&S and Sainsbury's extending existing stores; significant planning application for the sugar beet site; a planning application for the Safari Park Conference Centre; a planning application for Stourport Basins; the near completion of the Carpet Museum; other construction around the district.
Mark has also announced another jobs fair to take place on 20th September in Kidderminster Town Hall.