Unemployment rises in Gloucestershire but drops in Forest of Dean
Figures from Gloucestershire have backed up the talk on national news of a challenging employment market, with figures for those out of working rising everywhere but the Forest of Dean.
The number of people out of work has dropped in one of the most deprived parts of Gloucestershire while unemployment has risen elsewhere in the county.
The latest Department for Work and Pensions statistics show that the Forest of Dean has seen a reduction of unemployment by four per cent over the last year.
The total number of jobseekers in that district, which according to the ONS was ranked as the most deprived Gloucestershire district in 2024, is currently at 1,295 down 60 from last year.
But the number of claimants has risen by 11 per cent in the Cotswold district and ten per cent in Tewkesbury to 1,100 and 1,445 respectively.
Stroud has seen 85 more people sign on which constitutes a six per cent rise to a total of 1,610 claimants. While in Gloucester there are 75 more claimants than there were last year up two per cent to a total of 3195.
The drop in claimants in the Forest of Dean has been welcomed by Labour MP Matt Bishop. He said the reduction in unemployment across the area is welcome news, especially the drop in youth unemployment.
“It’s positive to see local partnerships helping residents gain skills, access training and find employment,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing this progress continue, so we can ensure everyone in the Forest of Dean has the opportunity to secure good, stable work.”
James Skilling, DWP third party provision manager for Gloucestershire, Somerset and West of England, said: “Jobcentre Plus offices across Gloucestershire have continued to support persons back into employment through partnership working, with local authorities, training providers and employers.
“The Forest of Dean area has seen the greatest reduction of unemployment over the past year, within Gloucestershire, with a four per cent reduction of unemployment across all age ranges, including a reduction of two per cent for young persons aged 18-24.”
Jobseekers have been encouraged to check out the range of vacancies available on Find a Job, with more than 750 vacancies in the Gloucestershire area.
A UK Government spokesperson said that while it’s welcome that unemployment has fallen slightly, the reality is too many young people are still locked out of work.
“For too long, governments have paid for failure rather than invested in people’s success,” they said.
“We’re determined to turn that around by creating real opportunities for young people, reforming education so everyone has a clear path to a good job and providing the support people need to stay and get on in work.”
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com
*The Raikes Journal is the only independent news outlet in Gloucestershire approved to use the copy of the BBC local government reporting service. Why? Only independent, credible journalistically-led platforms that meet the BBC’s high standards win that permission.