York region unemployment rises in younger age bracket

York Jobcentre is organising the jobs fair on Tuesday July 14 from 10.30am to 1.30pm at Temple Hall, York St John University.

The jobcentre says the free event offers those looking for a job, apprentice options, or a change of career, a valuable chance to engage directly with a wide range of local employers and training providers. 

Attendees will be able to speak face-to-face with recruiters, learn about current vacancies, and gain insight into the skills and qualifications employers are looking for. Professional advisors will also be available throughout the event to provide free, impartial information, advice, and guidance. 

RECOMMENDED READING:
Vacancies tumble to lowest in five years – ONS

The jobcentre is inviting employers to take part and still has exhibition space for them to take part.

Sarah Lyus, Recruitment Consultant, York Job Centre, said: “We have seen previous success with York Job Fairs in partnership with York Learning and look forward to this new venue where we can connect jobseekers with local employers, offer support for career advice and provide learning opportunities to further enhance career prospects for our Job seekers.”

Will Harris, Learning and Skills Development Manager & Digital Skills Curriculum Manager – York Learning, said: “It’s great to be working again with York Job Centre for another York Job Fair.

“At York Learning, our mission is to inspire people to learn, explore and achieve. We encourage everyone to come and visit us on the day — we’ll be happy to discuss your skills, offer employability support, and share information on the wide range of courses available and much more.”

The event comes as the latest claimant count figures for the region show and overall rise in the claimant count for 18-24s especially.

The latest claimant count figures (Image: Pic supplied)

In May, York had a claimant count of 2,535, which is a decrease of 35 or 1%. However, the number aged 18-24 was 565, an increase of 85 or 17% on a year ago.

Ryedale has a claimant count of 660, an increase of 85 or 15% on a year ago. Those aged 18-25 made up 90 of this, an increase of 25 or 38%.

However, in Selby, the claimant count for May was 1,150, an increase of ten or 1%. Those aged 18-24 made up 295 of this, a decrease of 58 or 2%.

Nationally, the overall UK unemployment rate fell unexpectedly from 5% to 4.9% in the three months to April.

How do you feel about these figures, especially how they are affecting the young? What can the government do to help? How much might it be to blame? And how do you feel about the widder economy? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.