Chamber's dismay at unemployment levels

Nov 23 2012 by Ross Crawford, Solihull News

LOCAL business leaders have expressed disappointment that unemployment in the West Midlands has not fallen, and remains at 235,000, despite a downward trend nationally.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group said this contrasted with messages from the region’s businesses, which stated they were struggling to fill job vacancies.

Steve Brittan, president of Birmingham Chamber raised a rallying cry for young and older people to take up the many opportunities for skills training.

“We believe the Government must do more to free business from the burden of regulation and red tape, which hinder job creation by diverting resources and funds away from growth,” he said.

Mike Ashton, spokesman for the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, said: “Training or re-training can boost the chances of employment.

“Over 76 per cent of employers in over 160,000 workplaces in England which offer apprenticeships say that they provide higher productivity.”

Mr. Brittan added: “To improve our economy the answer is skills, skills and yet more skills.”