Unemployment on the up in Rotherham - but down for young people

According to new government figures, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit in Rotherham – which includes Maltby, Dinnington and Mexborough – rose by 165 people or four per cent to 4,185 for June compared to a year ago.

But for people aged 18-24 there are 860 on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, a fall of 90 people (nine per cent) on this time last year.

Nigel Coleman, of Jobcentre Plus in Rotherham, said nationally there was now an employment rate of 75 per cent, which means the UK has the lowest unemployment rate since 1975.

Mr Coleman said there were a large number of job opportunities in South Yorkshire. Clipper Logistics is hiring staff for fashion business Pretty Little Thing in the Meadowhall area with 1,200 jobs available. There are 40 production vacancies with New York Bakery in Swinton and 1,000 with XPO Logistics.

There are opportunities in the Doncaster area in warehousing with employers such as Amazon, Direct Line and DHL, and 1,000 jobs are likely in the near future at Meadowhall as it gears up towards the Christmas trading season.

Mr Coleman said people should talk to Jobcentre staff about vacancies.

He added: “At the moment, the number of jobs available in the area is ridiculous. In Barnsley, for example, it looks like they’re employing the whole world at the moment.”