The Forest of Dean, identified as the most deprived district in Gloucestershire by the Office for National Statistics in 2024, has experienced a notable decrease in unemployment over the past year. Latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions reveal a four per cent drop in the number of jobseekers in the area, reducing the claimant count from 1,355 to 1,295.
This decline contrasts with rising unemployment rates in other parts of the county. The Cotswold district has seen an 11 per cent increase in claimants, now totalling 1,100, while Tewkesbury reports a ten per cent rise to 1,445. Stroud’s claimant numbers have increased by 85 individuals, a six per cent growth to 1,610, and Gloucester has 75 additional claimants compared to last year, a two per cent rise bringing the total to 3,195.
Labour MP Matt Bishop welcomed the reduction in unemployment within the Forest of Dean, highlighting the significant drop in youth unemployment as particularly encouraging.
“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, the Department for Work and Pensions third-party provision manager for Gloucestershire, Somerset and the West of England, emphasised the success of coordinated efforts aimed at supporting jobseekers.
“Jobcentre Plus offices across Gloucestershire have continued to support persons back into employment through partnership working with local authorities, training providers and employers,” he commented. “The Forest of Dean area has seen the greatest reduction of unemployment over the past year within Gloucestershire, with a 4% reduction across all age groups, including a 2% decrease among young people aged 18 to 24.”
Jobseekers are encouraged to explore the wide range of vacancies available on the Find a Job website, which currently features more than 750 openings in Gloucestershire.
A spokesperson for the UK Government acknowledged the positive trend in the Forest of Dean but stressed concerns remain about high youth unemployment nationwide.
“While it’s welcome that unemployment has fallen slightly, the reality is 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’re 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 progress in work.”