Commenting on June’s labour market figures, published by the ONS, Phil Smith, MD of Business West Phil Smith said; "Expansion of employment in the private sector is encouraging news.
"Although the level of youth unemployment remains high, overall these figures show a flexible and robust job market.
“With a decline in unemployment of 0.2% in the three months to April, combined with the lowest unemployment rates nationally, the South West finds itself in a relatively strong position.
"This news further confirms the view that business is continuing to hold firm and carry on with day to day activities, despite the reality of a double dip recession.
“However a strong performance regionally, masks local variations. Findings from Business West's latest business survey , show that locally, the number of businesses reporting an increase in staff numbers has fallen from 26% to 24% over the quarter. “These findings illustrate that the situation remains fragile, and with further increases in unemployment likely over the coming year, we once again call for more action on issues of finance accessibility and deregulation, to ensure businesses across the patch are in a position to grow and invest."
PUBLICATION: Wiltshire Business - 21 June 2012