Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures) show a small decrease between October and November, which may be partly due to seasonal recruitment. In addition, notified job vacancies increased by 70% in the same period again reflecting seasonal recruitment, however, take up of these positions may not show until next month's figures are released.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for November is 4,714. This is a decrease of 22 on the October 2009 figure.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.4% is higher than both the Scottish (4.1%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 10th highest with Fife and Renfrewshire out of all Scottish local authority areas. (see attached excel sheet).
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for October is 1,480. This is a decrease of 15 on the last month.
• There were 1,621 notified Jobcentre vacancies in November - a net increase of 671 from October 2009 of vacancies.
• Due to seasonal recruitment, the ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies has dropped to 3 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 4.6:1, Great Britain is 4.1:1 with West Dunbartonshire and Eilean Siar having the highest ratio of 11.9:1 (12 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities