TWO JOB SEEKERS FOR EVERY CITY VACANCY
7,417 looking for work in February – but only 3,265 jobs
STOKE-ON-TRENT has two job seekers chasing every job, according to the latest figures.
There were 7,417 unemployed people in the Potteries in the three months to February, but only 3,265 job vacancies.
That equates to 2.3 jobseekers per vacancy, the highest in Staffordshire.
In Newcastle the ratio was 1.6, with 1,948 job seekers and 1,196 vacancies. The Staffordshire Moorlands had 632 vacancies and 1,010 job seekers, which also equates to a ratio of 1.6. Meanwhile, Stafford had the lowest unemployment-to-vacancy ratio (0.4) across the area, meaning there were more advertised jobs than unemployed people.
Across Staffordshire there were 20,261 people out of work, compared to 20,520 vacancies. The figures are based on analysis by the Local Government Association (LGA), which is calling for councils to be given more powers to deal with local labour market issues and to help tackle the cost of living crisis.
And they have emerged after The Sentinel revealed on Tuesday that Stoke-on-trent was tipped to have the third highest jobs growth in the UK by the end of next year.
The LGA and the Institute for Employment Studies has looked at estimated unemployment figures for the three months to February alongside vacancies data from search engine Adzuna.
Across England, nearly a third of council areas had at least two people chasing each job on offer, while in many places the figure was much higher. Meanwhile, in two-fifths of the country there were more vacancies than unemployed people, making it harder for employers to fill job posts.
The analysis has also found that coastal and post-industrial areas were hardest hit by lower labour market participation and fewer vacancies, while the southern half of the country was more likely to have higher participation and high vacancies. It follows the latest official labour market figures which have revealed a continuing fall in unemployment to levels last seen in the 1970s, in contrast to record vacancies.
This combination is partly down to what some people are calling the ‘great resignation’, whereby large numbers are leaving the labour market altogether, meaning they are neither working nor looking for employment.
However, the LGA has said it also reflected the mismatch between jobs available in different areas, and those with the necessary skills to fill them.
Kevin Bentley, chairman of the LGA’S people and places board, said: “These changes are not being felt equally across the country, with too many people battling for fewer jobs in some areas while in others, employers are crying out for skilled workers to meet demand. The Government’s ‘one size fits all’ national approach to employment and skills is no longer fit for purpose.
“Levelling up should mean adapting support to local needs, making it more personalised and joined-up for people seeking work, while recognising the wide variations not just between different parts of the country, but also within them. No area should be left behind. Councils and combined authorities want to be front and centre in ensuring everyone has the chance to learn new skills and find work in the places where they live.”
A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) spokesperson said: “Our brilliant DWP work coaches are matching job seekers to local vacancies in growing sectors and supporting people – at any age and any career stage – to seize that next opportunity, get into work and progress.”