Summary: Claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in the UK by Local Authority, January 2013

The Office for National Statistics has published Census 2011 population estimates, by single year of age, for local authorities in England and Wales.  Currently these Census population estimates have not been used to create mid-year population estimates for 2011 or to revise the single year of age population estimates for local authorities for years prior to 2011.

For England and Wales the latest published figures giving the proportion of people aged 16 to 64 within local authorities claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) make use of the Census 2011 population estimates for proportions relating to 2011 and later.  However, periods for 2010 and earlier are still based on the existing unrevised mid-year population projections.

Consequently, for local authorities where the Census 2011 estimates are significantly different from previous mid-year population projections, the proportions will show a large revision from previously published figures.  There will also be a step change between figures for 2011 and figures for earlier years in time series data.  This effect is particularly significant in many local authorities in London, but is not limited to that region.

Currently this only affects geographic areas in the local authority family of geographies, but will apply to other types of geographic areas when appropriate Census data is available.

Once appropriate revised mid-year population projections for 2010 and earlier are available, these will be applied to time series data removing the step changes introduced by using the Census 2011 estimates.

Although we appreciate that the revisions, inconsistencies and step changes in historic series will prove difficult for some users, we are aware that many users want our latest estimates to reflect the most up to date population information.

Scotland and Northern Ireland will continue to use mid-year population estimates based on the 2001 Census until the relevant 2011 Census estimates are fully available.

A spreadsheet giving old and new population estimates for comparison, along with the impact on local authority proportions is available with this release as reference table JSA01x Claimant Count Supplementary Table (147 Kb Excel sheet) .

The above map shows the proportions of people aged 16 to 64 claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) resident in local and unitary authorities in the UK.

You can also get an animated version of the map. This shows how these proportions have changed over time, along with proportions of men, women, youth and long term claimants of JSA.

Source: Office for National Statistics

Background notes

1. Details of the policy governing the release of new data are available by visiting www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/assessment/code-of-practice/index.html or from the Media Relations Office email: media.relations@ons.gsi.gov.uk

   The United Kingdom Statistics Authority has designated these statistics as National Statistics, in accordance with the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 and signifying compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

   Designation can be broadly interpreted to mean that the statistics:

   • meet identified user needs;
   • are well explained and readily accessible;
   • are produced according to sound methods; and
   • are managed impartially and objectively in the public interest.

   Once statistics have been designated as National Statistics it is a statutory requirement that the Code of Practice shall continue to be observed.