Good news for jobseekers as unemployed total falls

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit in Rotherham – which includes Maltby, Dinnington and Mexborough – fell by 140 or 3.2 per cent to 4,245 for January.

For people aged 18 to 24 there were 980 people on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, a decrease of 35 or 3.4 per cent on this time last year.

Nationally, unemployment fell by 7,000 for the October-December period, with unemployment nationally at 1.6 million. The unemployment rate for the October to December period remained at 4.8 per cent, the same as last month’s figure.

Nigel Coleman, of Jobcentre Plus in Rotherham, said: “It’s all looking very good.”

Mr Coleman said Rotherham Jobcentre was organising a big jobs fair for mid-March, though a firm date had not yet been decided, at which vacancies would be highlighted and help given to those looking for work.

A recent event in Doncaster — called New Year, New Start — attracted 1,800 people and offered 1,500 vacancies.

Across South Yorkshire there are many warehousing and call centre opportunities, said Mr Coleman, and upcoming building projects are likely to offer positions.

Home Bargains has been holding open days at Drakehouse, Sheffield, and Educare Staffing is looking for nurses, support workers and care home staff.

Blue Arrow is recruiting for Capita at Manvers and Trackwork has been filling apprenticeships with more to come soon.

The Mears Group has been getting young people up to speed with building skills ready for construction projects across the district and beyond.

Secretary of State Damian Green said: “With employment at its highest rate since records began, and unemployment at its lowest in over a decade, we remain in a position of strength. 

“Our ongoing welfare reforms will continue to incentivise work and make sure the system is fair to all those who need it and those who pay for it.

“There is good news in Yorkshire and the Humber, where there is a near record of 2.58 million people in work, with a joint record number of 1.23 million women in work as well.”

Rachel Smith, principal labour market economist at the Confederation of British Industry, said: “Pay growth remains stubbornly sluggish, which is a concern given rising inflation. There are tentative signs that productivity is picking up, but there is further to go before it can underpin faster wage growth.

“Companies will be looking to the Budget to see adjustments to business rates along with measures to boost educational performance, helping firms to drive faster productivity growth.”