Unemployment levels in south Essex crept up slightly last month, in spite of a surprise fall in the national figures.
New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show a marginal rise in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the area compared to the same time last year.
In Basildon the total was up 0.2 per cent to 2,373, in Castle Point it was up 0.3 per cent to 900 and in Thurrock it was up 0.4 per cent to 2,379. In Rochford however, the figure was unchanged at 698, while in Southend the total actually fell 0.2 per cent to 3,192.
Nationally, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit surprisingly fell last month and is almost 50,000 lower than a year ago.
The jobless rate is now 3.1 per cent, the second lowest figure since 1975, the Office for National Statistics reported.
Published Thursday, March 21, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article