Hot summer helps bay’s jobs market to flourish

SUMMER sun and holiday crowds have helped South Devon’s jobs market stay relatively strong, latest figures reveal.

The monthly jobless figures showed the number of people out of work in Torbay up 2% year on year at 1,455, of whom 290 are aged between 18 and 24. The overall figure is almost half levels seen five years ago.

In Teignbridge there were 630 people out of work, 140 of them in the younger age bracket. Overall, the Teignbridge total is also just over 50% down on where it was five years ago,

There were 400 people out of work in the South Hams, 75 of them aged between 18 and 24. The total is 34% down on five years ago.

Christopher Hytche, who is the work coach team leader at Torquay Jobcentre, said: “The labour market in South Devon and South Hams is holding up well over the last few months.

“A good example is Landscove Park, Waterside Park and Beverley Park all having to do extra recruitment because they’ve had such a busy summer. We’ve been busy in Torbay this month, with employers using our offices for recruitment and getting some information to customers.

“We’ve been pleased that our friends in the local community have joined us in supporting local residents, such as Barclays giving help with interviews, Natwest helping with budgeting advice, Elite delivering information about Universal Credit and South Devon College talking to our customers about apprenticeships.

“We’ve had great feedback from our customers that this is really adding value and helping them plan for the future or get that next job.

“That’s not even to mention the help from Torbay and Exeter councils, plus hundreds of employers, who will be supporting our jobs fairs in Torquay and Exeter in September and October. If you want to know more about those speak to your local Jobcentre Plus.

“At this time of year we do like to think about those who may be leaving school. This can be a daunting time. Whether you are looking to move into your first job, gain an apprenticeship, return to education or are simply not sure what your next step is you can find some excellent help and support at your local Jobcentre Plus.”