Jobseeker numbers on the rise

UNEMPLOYMENT in Halton rose by 80 jobseekers in August according to latest out-of-work benefits claimant figures.

This represents a rise of one percentage point from 4.2% to 4.3% of the working age population, up from 3,340 to 3,420 residents.

Among young adults aged 18 to 24 years, the claimant count was up from 7% to 7.3%.

The figures, published by the Office For National Statistics, could be slightly inflated by the introduction of Universal Credit, which began being rolled out in 2016 and whose caseload is due to continue to rise until 2023.

Diane Williams, of Jobcentre Plus (JCP), said a slew of opportunities for jobseekers are in the works.

These include ‘sector based work academies’ (SBWA) which provide the chance to train in a real employment environment with a guaranteed interview at the end, and Mrs Williams revealed that the Jobcentre is working with Marston’s to develop a SBWA for The Queen Of Hearts pub due to open soon on Murdishaw Avenue.

She added that jobs fairs are taking place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Speke on Thursday, September 20, and at the Holiday Inn on Lime Street on Thursday, September 27.

A Runcorn and Widnes fair date is to be confirmed.

Mrs Williams said that in the North West, Manchester is gaining 500 jobs from a massive expansion being undertaken by Jet2, which is creating 2,000 jobs nationally.

She added that it was ‘great’ that employment levels among older workers aged 50 and above is at an ‘all-time high’.

Also, throughout October the JCP’s @JCPinMerseyside and @JCPinCheshire accounts will be sharing extra vacancies with the #XmasJobs hashtag.

Nationally, the Department For Work And Pensions (DWP) declared that the UK’s unemployment rate has not been lower since the 1970s, at 4.0%, while its employment rate remains at a near-record high of 75.5%.

Book place at a jobs fair via a personal Jobcentre work coach or by booking a slot at www.eventbrite. co.uk