Unemployment Reaches 28-Year High In Harborough

The impact of the Coronavirus on jobs has seen unemployment in the Harborough District reach its highest level in nearly 30 years.

2,150 people were out of work and claiming benefits last month – more than three times the figure before the lockdown in March – and the highest since 1992.

The latest claimant count figures from the Office For National Statistics show 1215 men and 935 women are unemployed, which equates to 3.9% of the working population.

31% of those looking for jobs are aged between 16 and 25.

Harborough Council is continuing to administer government support schemes for local businesses.

Leader Phil King spoke to Hfm:

Across Leicester and Leicestershire over 35,500 people are unemployed – up from 15,000 in March, while in Northamptonshire the figure has risen from 11,500 to over 27,000.