Jobless claims count on the rise in Halton

THE out-of-work benefits claimant count increased in Halton during March. According to the Office For National Statistics (ONS), the number rose 5.65% from 2,655 recipients in February to 2,805.

Youth unemployment experienced an increase, from 575 claimants to 585 during March, but was down year on year.

The all-age out-of-work benefits recipients count shot up from 2,315 to 2,805 year or year but the Department For Work And Pensions (DWP) has stressed once again that no direct comparison is possible because of the full switch to Universal Credit in Halton.

Clive Morris, of Jobcentre Plus, said that the reduction in the youth claimant count despite the anticipated statistical increase was ‘very positive’.

He said a small apparent increase in the claimant count had been anticipated across the Liverpool City Region because of the change in the way the data is now counted due to Universal Credit but that this is not a true reflection of the change in the number of people in work.

The Jobcentre Plus spokes- man added that a jobs fair is due to take place at the Widnes Jobcentre Plus branch on Caldwell Road in May.

Mr Morris said the number of people in work in the North West reached a record high of 3.43m in March with the employment rate also at a record rate of 73.5%, adding that companies are still keen to recruit. He said: “I’ve spoken to employers and they say vacancies are coming in the hospitality industry and the care industry and we’re working to support people (to apply) through a range of activities.”

Damian Hinds, employment minister, said: “It’s good news in the North West where the number of people in work is at a record high of 3.43m, with an employment rate of 73.5%.”