Job joy as employment figures continue to grow
More women and young people are getting into work
Employment figures are on the up in Scarborough – especially among women and young people.
The latest labour market figures for the Scarborough and Whitby area, released by the Office of National Statistics, show that the Jobseekers’ Allowance claimant count is down by 537 on this time last year, with 70 of those people aged between 18 and 24.
Nationally a record 14.54 million females are now in work. Regionally this is a four per cent increase on the figure last year.
The national claimant count at 792,400 is down 4,900 this month and down 217,700 since this time last year.
There has also been continued growth in permanent and full-time work over the last year – all of the 354,000 annual growth in employment has come from permanent employment and 99 per cent has come from growth in full-time employment.
Lesley Richardson, work services manager at Scarborough Jobcentre Plus, said: “This is excellent news for Scarborough.
“We continue to include work with our younger age groups and we need to support those customers not moving into further education.”
She continued: “In Scarborough we have had excellent results and feel our work experience opportunities - of which we have up to 30 on offer every day - have been invaluable in moving our customers into work.
“They give effective ‘on the job’ experience whilst providing an up-to-date reference and information which can be used on a CV.
“Locally we have found well over two thirds move into work within weeks of this experience.”
Lesley also explained that the Job Centre uses traineeships, apprenticeships and sector-based work academies, which combine sector-based training with a work experience placement and a guaranteed job interview.
She said: “This is a flexible model which can be designed to suit one or a group of employers’ needs, but should be for a maximum of six weeks, and voluntary work to move our customers nearer or into the labour market.
“We have has some excellent results. We worked hand-inhand with local organisations and training providers to deliver the support and training needed to move them into sustainable employment.
“In Scarborough we are also excited about the opportunities out there at the moment. We work with all the local organisations and providers to train and support our customers into local employment opportunities.
“We are working alongside Jobmatch looking at the opportunities with Middle Deepdale construction, linking into the skills village to offer a wraparound service, including taster sessions, up skilling, training and employment progression.
“We are also looking at the Weaponness development and the opportunities that will bring and we’re also waiting for further announcement regarding the Potash mine.
“All in all it is very exciting times.”
Lesley also highlighted the start of the “WE can” campaign, which was launched last week to help young people get “job ready” for the future and has been backed by 30 companies.