The Two Faces of Havering’s Job Market: Prosperous West, Struggling Harold Hill.
Havering’s unemployment rate hides a stark east–west divide. Upminster, Emerson Park and Cranham enjoy some of the lowest jobless figures in London, while Harold Hill’s Gooshays and Heaton wards still battle the borough’s highest claimant counts.
Havering’s borough‑wide unemployment sits just under 4 %, but drilling down to ward level tells a very different story.
Havering’s Low‑Unemployment Hot‑Spots
- Upminster – claimant rate ≈ 1.5 %
- Emerson Park – ≈ 1.7 %
- Cranham – ≈ 1.9 %
These wards benefit from higher‑paid commuters, strong self‑employment and good transport links to the City. Professional households, high car ownership and a steady flow of micro‑businesses keep joblessness low.
Harold Hill: Gooshays & Heaton Still Struggling
| Ward | Claimant rate (Apr 2025) | Claimants | Rank in Havering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gooshays | ≈ 6.4 % | ~ 1,200 | Highest |
| Heaton | ≈ 5.9 % | ~ 930 | Second‑highest |
Key challenges
- Skills gap – only 57 % hold Level‑3 qualifications versus 71 % borough‑wide.
- Limited local jobs – pandemic closures cut light‑industrial work; many new roles are low‑wage, agency or shift‑based.
- Transport hurdles – patchy public‑transport links raise commute times and costs.
Bright spots
- “Train 2 Gain” green‑tech apprenticeships at Harold Hill campus.
- A new enterprise centre at Kings Park, due late 2025, aims to draw small firms with subsidised rents.
Why It Matters
Havering’s success stories show what stable employment and strong connections can deliver—but Harold Hill’s figures highlight the urgent need for skills training, better transport and quality employers. Until those gaps close, the borough will remain a tale of two labour markets.
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