More people in work across Rotherham borough, latest figures reveal

THE number of people out of work in the Rotherham district has fallen, according to the latest government figures.

UNEMPLOYMENT fell across the Rotherham borough, according to the latest government figures.

The number of people who claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit in Rotherham – which includes Maltby, Dinnington and Mexborough – fell by 145 or three per cent to 4,145 for October - compared to a year ago.

There were 995 people aged 18 to 24 on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, a fall of 85 or eight per cent on this time last year.

Nationally, unemployment fell by 14,000 for the July-September period, with unemployment nationally at 1.42 million.

Paul Boyd, relationship manager at Jobcentre Plus in Rotherham, said: “Things are looking good overall.”

Mr Boyd said there were many warehouse vacancies in the Doncaster area, including Amazon which is looking to recruit 120 people per week until Christmas with buses laid on to ferry people from Rotherham.

Buses are also being supplied to enocurage people to take up Christmas vacancies at ASOS in Barnsley.

Blue Arrow is taking on people to work at Capita in Manvers, and Essential Recruitment wants employees to work in warehouses in Hellaby.

Around 700 people attended the LEAF recruitment event at Magna on Monday which received positive feedback from employers, said Mr Boyd.

Minister for employment Damian Hinds said: “The strength of the economy is driving an increase in full-time, permanent jobs and a near record number of people are now in work thanks to the government’s welfare reforms.

“When unemployment fell to five per cent early last year, many people thought it couldn’t get much lower, and yet it now stands at 4.3 per cent.”