Unemployment down and solid 2016 predicted by Job Centre

Latest figures show the number of Rotherham people claiming jobseekers' allowance and universal credit in November was 4,190.

This is an 18 per cent fall on last year when the figure was 915 higher and is the biggest reduction across the four local authorities in South Yorkshire.

Universal credit is a new benefit being launched around the UK.

Nigel Coleman, account manager at Job Centre Plus, said: “When we compare it to 2010 it’s a drop of 3,069 – so over the last five years there has been a 42 per cent decrease in unemployment in Rotherham.”

The number of people aged 18-24 years-old claiming benefits in the town has also fallen in the past 12 months, with 985 people now receiving benefits.

This is a drop of 290 people, or a 23 per cent fall from 2014.

Mr Coleman said: “When you look back to 2010 that’s a total drop of 1,310 people which overall is a 57 per cent drop in unemployment among young people in Rotherham.”

Mr Coleman said the economy was feeling more vibrant and buoyant.

He said a recent jobs fair at Magna was a success with 850 people through the door and Greencore in Dinnington held an open day which resulted in 14 people gaining employment.

He said: “The job centre is also working with the NHS in Rotherham to create a sector-based work academy.

“We had a sector-based work academy with Toyota Rotherham with production operatives and they have concluded their training this week, so people are moving into jobs in time for Christmas.”

The care sector was the biggest growth sector and had massive opportunities for people who wanted to work in care, he added.

He said: “Right across the board we are expecting a solid 2016, and we are meeting with the council, and The Source at Meadowhall to talk to IKEA and look at the recruitment opportunities Job Centre Plus can get involved in.”

The number of people claiming benefits in Barnsley is 3,425, Doncaster 4,955 and 9,115 in Sheffield.