New research places York top in the country for employment figures
Cities Outlook 2023, the Centre for Cities annual health check of the UK’s city and largest town economy, has highlighted York’s ongoing recovery.
York has been ranked as having the 8th highest employment rate in the country and the highest in the North of England - 81.6% (4.4% growth since 2020-21). York is also placed 4th highest in the country in regard to percentage of people with high-level qualifications.
The city also continues to have the lowest unemployment benefit claimant count in the country.
The Cities Outlook 2023 has particularly this year focused on ‘hidden unemployment’ – analysing data on economically inactive people - numbers that are not counted in official unemployment figures. Rather than an official unemployment rate of 3.7%, the report claims the figure could be as high as 12.1% when including three million economically inactive people.
Of the ten places with the highest hidden unemployment rates, nine are in the North of England. Meanwhile eight of the ten urban areas with the lowest rates are in the South.
York, however, once again buckles the trend, ranking 5th lowest in the country for ‘hidden unemployment’ at 8.9% - compared to, for example, our neighbours in Hull who rank 4th highest at 19.4%.
Councillors have welcomed the new research as a positive sign of the city’s strong employment market but noted that work must continue to support York’s economic recovery in the face of current inflation and cost of living crisis.
Councillor Ashely Mason, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, commented:
“These new figures are a strong and positive indication that York continues a healthy recovery despite the ongoing inflation and cost of living pressures. This is a testament to the proactive and strong partnership work with businesses and key partners such as the BID, Traders Associations, and Federation of Small Businesses, Indie York and Retail Forum across the city.
“Despite this, we cannot afford to be complacent. There are many challenges yet ahead for our local economy and businesses, and it’s clear that as a region there is a need for the Government to deliver on their levelling up promises. That is why we will continue to make the case for long term support and investment in the North.
“Locally, we will continue to do all that’s possible to support our businesses and ensure the city continues a strong and sustainable recovery for the benefit of our communities.”