Here at Hello Recruitment, we are committed to providing insightful analysis of local employment trends to help us plan for what the recruitment landscape could bring for our candidates and clients. This article focuses on Middlesbrough, a town transitioning from its industrial roots to a more diverse, service-oriented economy. We’ve used the latest information from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Nomisweb, and Total Population to give you a clear picture of what’s happening with jobs in Middlesbrough at present.
What the ONS Data Tells Us
The ONS data is a crucial starting point for understanding Middlesbrough’s employment situation. As of June 2023, the employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 was 68.6%, marking an improvement from the previous year. However, this figure is still below the average for the North East region, indicating room for growth. The unemployment rate for those aged 16 and over was 4.6%, showing a decrease from the previous year but remaining above the regional average. Interestingly, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits has decreased, suggesting a positive trend in job availability or uptake. However, the economic inactivity rate stands at 27.2%, highlighting a significant portion of the population that is neither working or actively seeking employment.
A Closer Look with Nomisweb
Nomisweb provides a more granular view of Middlesbrough’s labour market. The town’s total population was 143,900 in 2021, with a substantial segment (89,600) aged between 16 and 64. The period from October 2022 to September 2023 saw 66,400 people being economically active, with 61,300 in employment. This data suggests a slightly higher unemployment rate of 5.1% compared to the ONS figures. The report also highlights 22,100 individuals not working for common reasons such as education and health issues. This information is vital for understanding the underlying factors contributing to people being out of work and potential areas for intervention.
Insights from Total Population
Taking a look at the total population data adds another layer to our understanding of Middlesbrough’s employment landscape. The population stands at 143,700, with a slight increase over the past year. The average salary in Middlesbrough is £29,500 per year, which is notably lower than the national average. The unemployment rate is higher at 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.8%. The student population in Middlesborough naturally accounts for a significant part of the economically inactive group; many have qualifications like NVQs, with about 29% having higher-level NVQ, which provides useful insights in assessing the town’s employment potential.
Employment Growth vs Regional Comparison
While Middlesbrough’s employment rate is on the up, it still trails behind the broader North East region. This gap suggests that there are unique challenges and opportunities within Middlesbrough’s local economy that need to be addressed. Strategies focusing on skill development, support for key industries, and investment in emerging sectors could be key to aligning Middlesbrough’s employment rate more closely with regional trends.
Looking At Economic Inactivity
The high rate of people out of work in Middlesbrough is a big issue, including factors like education, health, and socio-economic conditions. Tailoring local policies to address these barriers and tackle what can be done to help people get back into work is crucial. Initiatives like vocational training programs, support for those with health issues, and flexible working options could help integrate a larger portion of the population into the workforce.
Education for Employment
The significant proportion of residents with NVQ qualifications is a strong foundation for Middlesbrough’s workforce. However, matching these educational qualifications with the needs of the local and regional job markets is essential. Partnerships between educational institutions, local businesses, and government agencies can ensure that the skills being developed are in sync with employment opportunities, helping to enhance job prospects for residents and supporting economic growth.
Our analysis of Middlesbrough’s employment trends shows that the town is making strides in improving its employment landscape, but there are still challenges to address, like the higher unemployment rate and economic inactivity. A focused approach that combines education, skill development, and targeted employment policies could be key to unlocking Middlesbrough’s full employment potential and ensuring a strong and inclusive job market. To find out more about the jobs we recruit for in the Middlesborough area and beyond, feel to get in touch with our friendly team for more details.
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