Thousands of painters and decorators, plumbers and electricians in London and the South-East have come off the dole as the region leads Britain’s economic recovery, official figures reveal today.
With house sales in the capital having picked up, there has also been a sharp drop over the last four years in the number of carpenters, plasterers and bricklayers claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.
And far fewer City professionals, including lawyers and accountants, are now claiming benefits compared to when the Coalition came to power in May 2010.
Employment minister Esther McVey said: “More and more people in London and the South-East are moving off benefits and into jobs right across all professions — in skilled jobs, in white collar jobs, in key worker jobs and more. We are ensuring that this country has a strong jobs market — creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and giving families greater security for the future.”
The official figures show how dole numbers fell in the four years to September in London and the South-East:
Painters and decorators down by 3,365 ( 70 per cent).
Carpenters and joiners by 1,885 (80 per cent).
Plumbers, heating and ventilating engineers by 1,590 (78 per cent).
Electricians and electrical fitters by 1,525 (79 per cent).
Motor mechanics and auto engineers by 1,140 ( 70 per cent).
Plasterers by 980 (81 per cent).
Overall the claimant count in the region has dropped from 345,900 to 208,700, including falls of three-quarters for financial managers, down 500, and directors and chief executives, down 280. The London and South-East economy has picked up earlier and more strongly than other regions.
