Even more unemployed in South East

Stephen Hillier, Cabinet Member for Children Start of Life

More than 200,000 people were out of work from May to June, an increase of 18,000 from the last period.

However, the area is the second-best in the UK as only 4.5 per cent of the population are unemployed, compared to 8.5 per cent in the North East and 6.4 per cent in London.

Jobcentre Plus partnership manager Bruce Campbell remains positive as the claimant count for jobseeker’s allowance is also down.

“It’s more good news for the area,” he said.

“We’re working with local businesses to provide seasonal recruitment and long-term employment.

“We’re also working closely with local providers making sure local people have the skills to fill the opportunities available.

“Youth unemployment continues to fall and we continue to work with businesses to provide apprenticeships and work experience opportunities for them.”

Rother saw 170 fewer claimants than last year, which is a fall of 22 per cent, while Hastings saw a fall of 20 per cent with 364 less.

Mr Campbell was proud of the work his team are doing in the area and promised to continue their efforts to boost employment in the area.

“As the manager, I’m really pleased with the way we are working with local employers and suppliers to create opportunities for the people of this area and they are being filled,” he said.

“I think the work that we are doing locally is reflected in the South East and I think that absolutely what we are doing reflects that trend.

“We will continue to work with employers to create opportunities and to work with our claimants to fill those opportunities.”

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