Unemployment By LEC Area At December 2006

31st January 2007

NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED BY LEC AREA
The table below traces changes in the numbers (not rates) of unemployed people claiming benefits in the Highlands & Islands LEC areas between November 2006 and December 2006. A yearly comparison between December 2005 and December 2006 is also provided. The LECs are ranked in descending order by the size of the annual change in the number of unemployed, displayed in the right hand column.

Over the month to December 2006, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit rose in 8 and fell in the remaining 1 LEC area. Lochaber had the greatest increase over the month, rising 24.0% from 200 to 248 claimants. Inverness and East Highland was the only LEC to decrease during the month, falling 3.1%, from 1,582 to 1,533.

Over the year to December 2006, there was an increase in 3 of the LEC areas, and a decrease in the remaining 6. Orkney had the greatest increase over the year, rising 10.8% from 166 to 184 claimants. Lochaber had the greatest decrease over the year, down 19.5% from 308 to 248 claimants.