Unemployment

As at July 2012, there were 25,230 persons receiving Job Seekers Allowance (JSA).  Based on a 2010 working age population (age 16-64) of 414,700, this is a rate of 6.1%. 

The Glasgow rate is higher than for Scotland (4.2%) and the UK (3.9%).  While higher than the rates for Manchester (5.6%) and Leeds (4.5%), it is however lower than the rates for Liverpool (6.9%) and Birmingham (7.3%).  While the July 2012 rate in Glasgow is broadly in line with the rates in the last couple of years, it is higher than the rates in 2007-09.

Another way of measuring unemployment is by using the Annual Population Survey (APS).  This includes people that are unemployed but ineligible for JSA, and the rate is not affected by changes in welfare benefits.  On the other hand, the most recent figures are usually six to nine months old, and as the results come from a survey the results need to be interpreted accordingly.

On this definition, there were 34,400 persons unemployed in Glasgow for the year ending March 2012, giving a rate of 8.3%, and higher than the rates for Scotland and the UK (both 6.2%).  While lower than Birmingham (8.9%) and Manchester (8.4%), Glasgow’s rate is higher than in Liverpool (7.7%) and Leeds (7.5%). 

Unemployment in Glasgow on this definition did not change over the year, but was higher than the comparable rates in 2010 (7.5%), 2009 (5.5%) and 2008 (4.5%).

The source of these details is the UK Office for National Statistics.  Note that the APS rates listed above have used as a denominator the ONS mid-year estimate of the 16-64 population.