Laura Sharman 28 May 2021

Counties see fastest growth in number of people claiming out of work benefits

Counties see fastest growth in number of people claiming out of work benefits image

County councils have warned that a 'narrow and simplistic focus' in the levelling-up agenda risks England’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

New analysis from the County Councils Network (CCN) shows that over 1,000 new people a day are claiming out of work benefits in county areas.

This number of people has risen by 123% since March 2020, compared to a rise of 84% in Northern towns and cities.

It also found that 36 country areas have witnessed the fastest growth in furloughed employees during the past six months, with almost 1.5 million people in county areas now currently on furlough.

The CCN has called on the Government to ensure that their levelling up agenda does not bypass county areas, and for county authorities to be given the same devolved powers and budgets on skills and adult employment as metro mayors.

Cllr Barry Lewis, economic growth spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said: 'To date, there has been an understandable focus on levelling-up Northern towns, but an overly narrow and simplistic focus which bypasses rural and shire counties will hamper the country’s economic recovery. This analysis shows that levelling up needs to happen right across all four corners of England.

'To ensure county areas don’t become left-behind communities, we are urging the Government to not forget about these places when it comes to the distributing resources as part of levelling-up. In addition, county authorities should be given the powers and resource to lead economic recovery efforts locally, in recognition that each county area will have individual solutions.'

Photo: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner