Rotherham jobless figure falls

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Rotherham  – which includes Maltby, Dinnington and Mexborough – has fallen by 964 on this time last year to 4,683.

For people aged 18-24 there are 1,165 people on Jobseeker’s Allowance, a fall of 280 or 19 per cent from last year.

Nationally, the employment rate is 73.5 per cent.

Nigel Coleman, of Jobcentre Plus, said that there were normally fluctuations in the unemployment figures at this time of year due to people leaving school and university.

He said that employers are currently looking for staff to cover the Christmas season and that there are a number of job fairs coming up.

On September 23 the Meadowhall Job Fair will take place offering opportunities at the shopping centre and the Leaf event at Magna on November 16 will see lots of employers present.

There will also be an event at Sheffield Jobcentre on October 7.

Mr Coleman said: “It’s really positive for Rotherham at present.

“This is the time. There are lots of vacancies out there.”

Employment minister Priti Patel said: “As part of our one nation government, we want everyone to succeed and achieve their full potential, and through our reforms we are doing just that.

“With a record number of people working in the private sector and wages rising, it is clear that the remarkable jobs success that we have seen under this government is continuing.”