The number of people out of work in one of Gloucestershire’s most deprived areas has fallen, even as unemployment has risen in other parts of the county.
Latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions reveal that the Forest of Dean has experienced a four per cent reduction in unemployment over the past year. Currently, there are 1,295 jobseekers in the district-a decrease of 60 from the previous year. The Office for National Statistics ranked the Forest of Dean as Gloucestershire’s most deprived district in 2024.
In contrast, other districts have seen rises in claimants. The Cotswold district experienced an 11 per cent increase to 1,100 claimants, while Tewkesbury’s figures rose by 10 per cent to 1,445. Stroud saw 85 more people signing on, marking a six per cent rise to a total of 1,610 claimants. Gloucester also had an increase of 75 claimants, a two per cent rise to 3,195.
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Labour MP Matt Bishop welcomed the drop in unemployment in the Forest of Dean, particularly highlighting the positive decline in youth unemployment.
“It’s positive to see local partnerships helping residents gain skills, access training and find employment,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing this progress continue, so we can ensure everyone in the Forest of Dean has the opportunity to secure good, stable work.”
James Skilling, third party provision manager for the Department for Work and Pensions covering Gloucestershire, Somerset and the West of England, emphasised the collaborative efforts behind the improvements.
“Jobcentre Plus offices across Gloucestershire have continued to support persons back into employment through partnership working, with local authorities, training providers and employers,” he said.
“The Forest of Dean area has seen the greatest reduction of unemployment over the past year within Gloucestershire, with a four per cent reduction across all age ranges, including a two per cent reduction among young people aged 18-24.”
Jobseekers are encouraged to explore available vacancies via the Find a Job website, which currently lists over 750 openings across Gloucestershire.
However, a spokesperson for the UK Government cautioned that despite the slight fall in unemployment, challenges remain.
“While it’s welcome that unemployment has decreased slightly, too many young people are still locked out of work,” they stated.
“For too long, governments have paid for failure rather than invested in people’s success. We are determined to turn that around by creating real opportunities for young people, reforming education so everyone has a clear path to a good job, and providing the support people need to stay and get on in work.”