Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures) have ben released. West Lothian’s rate of unemployment has increased by 0.6% to 4.1% in January and includes an increase in the number of unemployed youth. The increase in unemployment is not dissimilar to the same month last year, mainly due to the tailing off of seasonal employment. After analysis of claimant on-flows onto the JSA register, at this stage it is not yet possible to detect an increase of unemployment in West Lothian from recent redundancies at VION Halls in Broxburn.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for January is 4,637. This is an increase of 626 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.1% is equal to the Scotland (4.1%) rate and higher than the Great Britain (3.8%) rate.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 14th highest with Midlothian out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for January is 1,310. This is an increase of 210 on the previous month.
• Jobcentre vacancies - The ONS (Office for National Statistics) is currently making changes in the production of Jobcentre vacancies: The final update on Jobcentre vacancies was in November 2012 with the release of the October 2012 counts. After this there will be no further updates from ONS on Jobcentre Vacancy statistics. DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) are consulting users about future options for Jobcentre Plus vacancy statistics.