during the 1950s and 1960s. The 25–44 age group represented the greatest portion of all age groups at 27.3%. At 22.2%, the 5–15 age group was the second largest. The proportion of the population that was of a pensionable age was 11.7%, below the city average of 16.7% and the national average of 18.4%. The proportion of people of a working age was 54.9%, below the city average of 59.8% and national average of 61.5%. The unemployment rate is 15.5%, higher than the city average of 9.5% and national average of 5%. 47.1% of the residents were identified as being economically active. Of the unemployed, 34.1% were in long term unemployment and 23.6% had never worked. 19.5% of the working population worked in the Wholesale & Retail Trade, Vehicle Repairs sector, followed by 19.3% of the working population working in the Manufacturing sector. The Birmingham Heartlands & Solihull Trust is the largest employer in the area, employing approximately 5,000 people. South Birmingham College is the second largest employer, employing around 850 people. Several hundred terraced houses around Bordesley Green dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries were demolished in the early 1990s and new houses built on their site as part of a "New homes for old" initiative which allowed people to remain living in areas that their families had lived in for generations. Politics The Bordesley Green Ward was created in June 2004 out of the Small Heath and Sparkbrook wards. However the 2004 Council Election was marred by vote rigging by the Labour Party candidates, who were subsequently removed from the council. It is represented at the Birmingham City Council by the Labour councillor. Bordesley Green has faced a high increase in crime in the recent years, increased policing is now visible and measure are being put In place. Bordesley Green has adopted a Ward Support Officer. The current holder of the title is Tracey Arthurs. Bordesley Village Bordesley Green has a neighbouring village, Bordesley Village, offering considerably better housing. The village is often referred as a separate area, and attempts are being made to separate the two to distinguish the areas. The village is also home to the city's football team, Birmingham City FC, built before the village was established from an old gypsy encampment and scrap yard. Recently, the village has seen several additions, becoming the hub of the city's new car sales, with