Unemployment in Fenland falls by 22.2 per cent from April 2015 to March 2016

Unemployment across Fenland continues to fall by almost a quarter according to new figures.

The number of people without work in Fenland dropped by 22.2 per cent in that time frame.

The latest official labour market statistics from Nomis reveal a four per cent unemployment rate in Fenland meaning 1,900 are without work.

This is compared to the national average of 5.1 per cent which is stated in the report based on figures from April 2015 to March 2016.

Of the 1,900 unemployed, 200 of them are young people.

“Fenland hasn’t got the network that Ely has,” said Julia Nix, district manager for East Anglia Job Centre Plus.

“However there are a lot more seasonal and agricultural jobs available.

“The most common occupations in Fenland are sport, logistics, construction and

retail.”

The report also states that 10.1 per cent of the Fenland population have no qualifications. This is compared to the national average of 1.5 per cent.

It adds that full-time workers in Fenland receive a gross weekly pay of £461.40 compared to the national average of £529.60. This means that Fenland workers are paid £68.20 less than the GB average per week.

There is also a wide gap between male and female pay in Fenland; men receive an average of £490.30 per week whereas women get £362. This means women are paid around £128.30 less than men per week.