Local economies bearing the brunt of career opportunity shortfalls

THE IMPACT of the pandemic has hit the labour market “very hard”, business leaders have said, with economies in York and Harrogate bearing the brunt of shortfalls in career opportunities due to a higher share of firms reliant on retail, hospitality and tourism.

Mark Goldstone, inset, of West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said that its own economic reports demonstrated a “subdued” picture within the jobs market, amid caution from firms and employers especially in such sectors.

“Continued economic uncertainty remains a concern for our region’s business community, not just Covid but also clarity on future trading relations with our largest international market, the EU,” he said.

“We remain of the view that it is vital that firms have rapid and timely access to clear and unambiguous guidance along with information about any financial support available to help them get through the next month of restrictions.”

David Ryden, economic response lead for the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, described the extension to the Chancellor’s Job Retention Scheme as a “lifesaver” for many, who had been fearful of a steep rise in redundancies. While there have been job losses, particularly in retail, hospitality, hotels and leisure, he is hopeful these will be short term. The impact of hospitality venues not trading goes further, he warned, as supply chains such as food suppliers and brewers – often overlooked – face a particularly tough time.

“Every time customers are forced to close, they have to ramp down operations, furlough staff and write off lots of stock,” he added.