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PRIVACY
Economic Development

Sharp drop in Birmingham's youth unemployment

New report suggests claimant numbers are falling across the city but levels remain higher than average compared with other 'core' cities

(Image: Pic: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Youth unemployment in Birmingham has more than halved in the last four years, according to new statistics.

A report from Birmingham City Council suggests the number of young people aged between 16 and 24 claiming unemployment benefits in the city has fallen from 14,450 to 5,965 since 2012.

At 11.2 per cent, Birmingham has also seen the largest youth claimant reduction rate of the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ's core cities.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner described the figures as a positive step - but warned there was still plenty of room for improvement.

Birmingham's youth unemployment rate remains at a 9.2 per cent - substantially higher than the core city average of 5.4 per cent.

Mr Faulkner said bridging the gap between the education and business sectors is crucial to tackling the issue.

He said: "Birmingham's issues with youth unemployment are well documented and this city council report is particularly welcome as it highlights how far the city has come since 2012.

"Over the past four years, the number of young people claiming unemployment benefits in the city has fallen by 8,485 - an impressive accomplishment.