Lack of confidence 'holding back Rotherham job hunters'

ROTHERHAM’S jobless have lost confidence in their abilities because of a lack of skills and qualifications, according to a new report.

The Work Confident Report launched by online training provider learndirect says the unemployed feel there is no hope of getting back work.

And 72 per cent admit they feel “trapped” by the endless job hunt cycle.

Mark O Brien from learndirect provider Yorkshire Business School said: “At learndirect in Rotherham we have seen first hand how learning new skills and qualifications can really help people to improve their confidence and as such their job prospects.”

The report shows that

30 per cent of the unemployed surveyed have been rejected for more than 20 job positions because they lack the right skills and qualifications, while others are going for lower paid positions to get back into employment.
For those in work, 27% said they had missed out on promotions because others were more qualified.
24% of people in work and two thirds of those seeking work feel less confident than they did a year ago about their work prospects as the continuing job search takes its toll.
Successive unsuccessful job interviews left 71% of unemployed finding it hard to stay motivated.
For those in work, 72% don’t feel they have the required skills to get ahead at work.
65% of people in work wish they had more skills or qualifications to offer current or prospective employers.
But 28% of people in work state their biggest barrier to learning is that they are not offered employee training.

learndirect, the UK’s leading online learning provider, commissioned the report as part of Make It Count Week, which aims to encourage 10,000 people to sign-up for learning to get new skills and qualifications.

For more information about learndirect courses visit www.learndirect.co.uk or call at the learndirect centre at The RAIN Building, Eastwood lane, Rotherham, S65 1EQ .