WASHINGTON: New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show 1,250 people claimed job-seekers’ allowance (JSA) in North Somerset in January, 35 fewer people than in January 2016. Of those who made claims, 270 were aged between 18 and 24 – 14 per cent down on last year. Since 2010 there has been a 63 per cent reduction in the number of job-seekers living in North Somerset, with a 70 per cent drop in the number of 18 to 24-year-olds out of work.
JobCentre Plus manager Rob Evans said there are lots of jobs out there and more work is being done to match employers with the right people. He added: “Overall it is a positive picture. We are riding a bit of a good wave at the moment, but there are peaks and troughs in these things and at some point there might be another recession.” He said the reduction in the number of people out of work has been helped by the JobCentre’s work with colleges and employers. Courses to help people boost their basic reading, writing and computing skills have been successful, and many claimants have been able to enhance their CVs through work experience. But, Mr Evans did say the number of people out of work could appear to rise later this year, as Universal Credit is rolled out in North Somerset in June.
Universal Credit is one monthly payment which will replace multiple benefits and tax credits – including JSA. More people will be eligible for Universal Credit so Mr Evans said it could skew the figures. He also said one of the biggest challenges will be ensuring people are well-equipped to cope with monthly payments, which is why the JobCentre has teamed up with the Money Advice Service to launch a new online budgeting tool. He said: “It’s about making people’s transition into work easier. People who have been on benefits may be used to fortnightly payments, but the working world is rarely like that. “The tool is available to help plan for bills and monthly costs.”
