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Employment and income

Income is often linked to life expectancy and good or poor health outcomes, and more recently COVID-19 has presented a significant risk to the economy.

80% of Staffordshire residents stating this as their top concern, and more younger people are reportedly concerned about their employment and financial situation. (Staffordshire COVID-19 Resident Survey).
In Staffordshire, there is higher than average employment (77%) and despite COVID-19 the unemployment rate (3.6%) as at September 2021 remains well below national and regional levels.
Whilst average annual earnings are lower than national, they has been some improvement, increasing by 2% since last year. However, there are still more Staffordshire residents in lower paid, manual & routine jobs compared to national. Lowest income levels are in East Staffordshire and Tamworth; some of the areas that also experience health issues such as lower life expectancy and higher rates of mental health emergency admissions.
In Staffordshire the number eligible for Free School Meals is rising, suggesting more children are living in poorer households - 16% or 19,150 pupils for the 2020/21 year, compared with 12.7% in January 2020.

Average Annual Gross Median Income 2015 - 2021

Employment and Income