ERSA welcomes the latest Labour Market Statistics

ERSA welcomes the latest Labour Market Statistics published today which show the employment rate remains at a record high of 74.5% and the lowest number of unemployed people (1.63 million) since May 2008. With 174,000 more people in work in the past quarter, there are now more people in employment than ever before (31.77 million). Average earnings also increased by 2.3% including bonuses compared with a year ago.

Sam Windett, ERSA’s Head of Policy and Communications, said:
“These government statistics continue to show the positive contribution made by employment support providers, who are helping jobseekers into work every day. The Work Programme alone has helped over 500,000 people into sustained employment since it began, which has helped to change lives and workforces across the UK.

“There are many changes ahead in the employment support available and we will continue to work with the government to get it right for jobseekers in every community.”