UNEMPLOYMENT rates have fallen in the run-up to Christmas in both Coventry and Warwickshire.
In Coventry, the number of claimants fell from 3,935 to 3,860 in the month to November and, in Warwickshire, it fell from 4,480 to 4,315.
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said that seasonal jobs are likely to have played a part but that it was still a welcome fall.
She said: “These are positive figures in the lead up to Christmas and reflect a very upbeat mood across the city and the county that was highlighted in our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey, with Warwickshire County Council.
“We always have to factor in a rise in seasonal jobs at this time of year but, that said, we have seen a consistent fall in Coventry in recent months and it is great that Warwickshire has also experienced a drop.
“As we look ahead to 2018 and beyond, the real issue is going to be companies being able to find the staff with the right skills to fill the posts required for them to grow.
“Another issue we are facing, is the very real shortage of employment land in Coventry and Warwickshire and where the new jobs in the future are actually going to be based, as we are quickly running out of space.
“These are two issues that the Chamber continues to campaign on at local, regional and national levels.”
