Employment figures in Blackburn with Darwen rise above pre-pandemic levels

But with the number of job vacancies across the UK hitting a record high, employers fear staff shortages could stall future growth following the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

The newest ONS data shows an estimated 61,521 people in Blackburn with Darwen were on company payrolls in July - 412 (one per cent) more than in June.

The increase moves the figure further above the 60,049 recorded in February last year – the month before the UK was plunged into its first Covid-19 lockdown.

The data also showed the median monthly salary for payrolled workers in the area rose from £1,607 in February last year to £1,672 in July this year - a £65 increase.

In the rest of East Lancashire an estimated 139,256 people were on company payrolls in July, which was 733 (one per cent) more than in June.

In February last year, before the pandemic hit, the number was 138,883.

The median monthly salary for payrolled workers in the rest of East Lancashire rose from £1,668 in February last year to £1,761 in July this year, which is a £93 increase.

Across the UK, the number of payrolled workers increased by 182,000 between June and July to 28.9 million - but this was still 201,000 fewer than in February last year.

The ONS cautioned the payroll figures, which do not include the self-employed, as they are early estimates which can be revised in future months.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said they showed signs of recovery but added increased demand for workers was creating a new problem for companies.

The number of vacancies across the UK reached almost one million in the three months to the end of July - the highest estimated quarterly figure since records began in 2001.

Arts, leisure and food service firms particularly contributed to the surge in job openings.

CBI's head of employment, Jennifer Beckwith, said: "With employment up and unemployment down, the labour market is showing further signs of recovery.

“Yet, with vacancies at a record high, employers are concerned that staff shortages are stalling their ability to grow and support the country’s wider economic recovery."

She said the Government should help by funding training for in-demand qualifications and removing barriers which stop firms being able to recruit from abroad.

Separate figures published by the ONS also show that in the Blackburn with Darwen local authority area, there was a fall in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits last month.

Around 6,835 people were on out-of-work benefits as of mid-July, down 225 from 7,060 in mid-June.

It meant 7.3 per cent of the area's working population sought support in July, compared to 7.6 per cent a month earlier.

There was also a fall in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits last month in Burnley.

Around 4,300 people were on out-of-work benefits as of mid-July, down 125 from 4,425 in mid-June.

It meant 8 per cent of Burnley's working population sought support in July, compared to 8.3 per cent a month earlier.

The figures include those aged 16 to 64 on Jobseeker’s Allowance and some Universal Credit claimants, who are unemployed and seeking work or employed but with low earnings.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the July data showed the job market was recovering nationally, despite the winding down of the furlough scheme, which will end in September.

He said: "The figures show that our plan for jobs is working – saving people’s jobs and getting people back into work.

“I know there could still be bumps in the road, but the data is promising – there are now more employees on payrolls than at any point since March 2020 and the number of people on furlough is the lowest since the scheme launched.”