The number of Islanders claiming the unemployment benefit Jobseekers Allowance is nearing a five year low, according to figures released today.
Some 3159 people were receiving the JSA benefit last month (January 2014), edging towards the low of January 2009 when 3155 Island residents were claiming – just a 4 claimant difference.
With the Island suffering from the annual winter lull, 79 more people were unemployed compared to December 2013, however year-on-year there are 821 less claimants compared to January 2013.
Of the Island’s population of working aged residents aged 16-64, 3.9% are claiming JSA – some 2.1% more than the rest of the South East.
