Unemployment rises in Portsmouth but falls across south east

But the trend for the south east region has fallen with fewer people claiming JobSeekers Allowance.

Figures revealed that in Portsmouth, 1,955 people are unemployed compared to 1,910 last month. The figure is however 215 fewer than this time last year.

There was no change in the Fareham figures with 450 people unemployed both this month and last month. But that number was five more than last year.

Gosport also saw a monthly rise with 570 unemployed compared to 555 last month.

But that was 60 fewer than last year.

In Havant, 995 people – 10 more than last month’s figure of 985 – are claiming JSA, and that is 65 fewer than last year.

Havant MP Alan Mak welcomed the figures.

He said: ‘The latest jobs figures are excellent news for Havant, following the national trend with another year-on-year fall in unemployment.

‘The numbers claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Havant has more than halved since 2010, showing that the local economy is vibrant and our businesses continue to be successful, thanks to the hard work of residents.

‘The regeneration of Dunsbury Hill Farm near Leigh Park and Market Parade in Havant will further boost employment.

‘Nationwide unemployment figures are now at a record high which shows we’re building a Britain that works for everybody, not just the privileged few.’

Nationally, the employment rate remained at a record high of 74.5 per cent, with 31.8m people in work between May and July - 174,000 more than the previous quarter.

A total of 1.63m people are unemployed – a fall of 39,000 over the quarter and 190,000 down compared with a year ago.