Unemployment rises across Rotherham

THE number of people out of work across Rotherham has increased, according to the latest government figures.
Nigel Coleman, of Rotherham Jobcentre Plus.Nigel Coleman, of Rotherham Jobcentre Plus.
Nigel Coleman, of Rotherham Jobcentre Plus.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit in Rotherham – which includes Maltby, Dinnington and Mexborough – rose by 30 or one per cent to 4,180 for May compared to a year ago.

There were 985 people aged 18-24 on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, a rise of 25 or three per cent on May last year.

Nigel Coleman, of Jobcentre Plus in Rotherham, said there were many job opportunities available across the district and county.

He said that vacancy details are available at Rotherham Jobcentre Plus on Douglas Street.

Mr Coleman said that a jobs fair will be held at the Cavendish Court Jobcentre in Sheffield on Wednesday, July 5, which would be open to people from Rotherham.

Opportunities will be available at a new Home Bargains store in Maltby in August and at a new Primark at Parkgate in December.

A Meadowhall jobs fair in September will reveal work opportunities for Christmas at the shopping centre, and there have been successful sector-based work academies with Trackworks and Mears.

Santander has contact centre vacancies in Sheffield and the NHS has 40 clerical opportunities, with other roles available at the new Co-op shop in Stannington, and at new stores opening at Cortonwood in August.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Gauke, said: “This government wants to give everyone the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they live or their background.

“This is yet another strong set of record-breaking figures with employment up and unemployment down, fuelled by full-time opportunities.

“This is good news for families as we continue to build a stronger, fairer Britain.”

Neil Carberry, Confederation of British Industry director of employment and skills, said: “Decent employment growth remains an encouraging feature of the UK economy, underlining the importance of maintaining a flexible and fair labour market.

“But weak pay growth, against the backdrop of rising inflation, means that people’s pay packets won’t stretch as far, which is already hitting living standards. 

“Therefore politicians need to put the economy front and centre, create stability and ensure the EU negotiations get off to a positive start.

“In the longer term, we must fix the foundations of our economy by improving productivity growth through meaningful progress on a modern industrial strategy, with real change on the ground in skills, infrastructure and innovation.”