§ Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total number of people unemployed in Thanet on 31st January 1976; what percentage this figure represents of the total workforce; and what are the comparable figures in 1975.
§ Mr. John FraserOn 8th January 1976, 3,784 people were unemployed in the area covered by the Margate, Ramsgate and Sandwich employment offices and the rate of unemployment was 8.5 per cent. Because of industrial action at local offices of the Employment Service Agency figures for January 1975 are not available. However, on 10th February 1975 there
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11th November 1974 13th November 1975 Country of Origin Employment Offices Careers Offices Employment Offices Carrers Offices Total East Africa … … 3,005 78 6,106 345 6,451 Other African countries … … 2,705 332 3037 West Indies … … 4,238 584 12,582 1,971 14,553 India … … 2,397 120 8,274 745 9,019 Pakistan … … 1,336 118 4,867 379 5,246 Bangladesh … … 182 5 1,127 49 1,176 Others … … 1,025 24 2,054 65 2,119 Total Great Britain … … 12,183 929 37,715 3,886 41,601 were 2,322 unemployed and the rate was 5.2 per cent. Rates of unemployment are calculated by expressing the numbers unemployed as a percentage of the estimated total number of employees, including the unemployed.