Employment levels have largely remained the same, according to new statistics for the North West.
The employment rate for people aged 16-64 within the North West of England from June to August 2018 was 74.7%, which is a 0.2% increase from March to May 2018.
However, unemployment levels for people aged 16 and over are also up 0.2% from March to May 2018.
Nationally, David Freeman, ONS head of labour market, said: “People’s regular monthly wage packets grew at their strongest rate in almost a decade but, allowing for inflation, the growth was much more subdued.
“The number of people in work remained at a near record high, while the unemployment rate was at its lowest since the mid 1970s.
“However, there was a notable uptick in the number of people who were neither working nor looking for a job, particularly students.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here