Employment rate for women is the highest in the South West

THE South West has the highest female employment rate of any UK region according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The Labour Market Statistics (LMS) released by the ONS show a record employment rate for women (68.6 per cent).

The jobs market is continuing to grow, with over 2.4 million more people working in the private sector than in 2010, and annual private sector pay growth now up to 3.3 per cent. Annual real wage growth is now at 2.7 per cent, the highest it has been since 2007, according to the official figures from government.

More than 400,000 extra people are in work compared to a year ago, while unemployment has also fallen nearly 350,000 over the same period to its lowest level since August 2008.

The proportion of the workforce claiming benefits because they are unemployed is now down to 2.3 per cent.

The number of vacancies across the UK economy is well over 700,000 at any one time. Professional, scientific and technical roles saw the largest jobs growth over the last year – while hospitality, retail, manufacturing and construction also grew.

Youth unemployment, excluding full-time students, has fallen below the level it was before the recession and long-term unemployment is at its lowest level in more than five years.

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.