Norwich North unemployment figures

Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, has responded to figures released by the Office of National Statistics today, which show that Norwich North's rate of unemployment remains better than the national average.

There were 3,440 claimants in Norwich North constituency in August 2020, which was 6.2% of the population aged 16-64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 6.5%. This was 10 higher than August 2020 and 1,865 higher than March 2020, before the UK lockdown began.

Nationally, the UK unemployment rate has moved to its highest level in over three years as the pandemic continues to hit jobs, but major new schemes have been announced including the Job Entry Targeted Support scheme last week (JETS).

The unemployment rate grew to 4.5% in the three months to August, compared with 4.1% in the previous quarter.

Chloe Smith MP, who founded the Norwich for Jobs Project, comments:

“Sadly, I think people have known from the start of this crisis that it’s not possible to save every job. But these aren’t just statistics, they are people’s lives.

“This is why the Government provided has unprecedented package of support backed by over £200 billion and have a comprehensive Plan for Jobs. I welcome the new scheme to help those left jobless due to Covid-19. Locally, I want more good jobs in Norwich, so the Norwich For Jobs project will continue to help Norwich young people find a chance. We encourage local firms to get involved and use the new schemes."

To find out how to get involved with the Norwich for Jobs project as an employer or a young person looking for work please e-mail info@norwichforjobs.org.uk.