New figures indicate private sector growth in York

New figures released this week from the Office of National Statistics, show there are 125 more private sector businesses in York, since 2012. The increase takes York from 8010 to 8135 businesses, from across all sectors.

The ONS figures show micro businesses (0-4 employees), and small to medium enterprises (249 or less employees) were particularly strong areas of growth in the city, with both proportionally at an all time high. York has also seen an increase in businesses turnovers across all recorded ONS sectors since 2012.
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Jobs fair at Barbican tomorrow

Jobseekers and residents wanting to improve their skills and qualifications are being encouraged to visit a jobs fair at the Barbican, Paragon St, York on 1 October from 10am to 3pm.

The event, which has been organised through partnerships between the council, Learning City York, Job Centre Plus and York Learning aims to bring together local employers and will offer advice as well as employment opportunities.

There will be several employers present along with learning providers and other agencies offering free help and advice for people to improve their skills and help them in their search for employment.

The council and its partners have lined up over 50 businesses, with many currently recruiting, including Royal York Hotel, Wilf Ward and Marks and Spencer. The 300-400 opportunities that will soon be available at the new John Lewis store at Monks Cross will also be featured at the event.

The fair will have a designated quiet area to enable residents to fill in application forms with the help of some excellent local skills and training providers.

John Lewis job vacancies announced.

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Unemployed residents in York are being offered support to help them apply for jobs at the city’s new John Lewis store, which is due to open next Easter.

Learning City York – York’s Lifelong Learning Partnership – is working with Job Centre Plus, the National Careers Service, the council’s York Learning service and other training providers to support around 70 unemployed residents to apply for sales, stock and catering roles, providing pre-employment training to help them reach and be successful at interviews. Job seekers interested in the positions are encouraged to speak to their JCP advisor.

The new store at Monks Cross will cover 92,000 sq ft, providing fashion, home and electronics, and will create around 300 new jobs. Vacancies for first line management positions are open for online applications from today (Monday 23 September) at http://www.jlpjobs.com/ .

Vacancies for specialist roles, selling and stock management will follow in October and December.

Numbers unemployed in York falls again

The number of people claiming Jobs Seekers Allowance (JSA) in York has again fallen, representing the lowest August figure since 2008.

City of York Council has today welcomed news that the number of people claiming Jobs Seekers Allowance (JSA) in York has again fallen, representing the lowest August figure since 2008.

The Office for National Statistics have released figures today stating that there are 2451 claimants in York, a decrease of 39 from last month and of 802 from August 2012.

The claimant count represents 1.8% of the working population and contrasts to the regional average which stands at 4.3%. The figures are also much lower than the national average which stands at 3%.

A jobs fare was taking place at Acomb Explore Library today

Coalition government announce further drop in jobless numbers

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The number of people claiming Jobs Seekers Allowance (JSA) in York has again fallen, representing the largest decrease in the claimant count in seven years between June and July.

The Office for National Statistics have released figures today stating that there are 2490 claimants in York, a decrease of 61 from last month and of 758 from July 2012. The claimant count represents 1.9% of the working population and contrasts to the regional average which stands at 4.4%. The figures are also much lower than the national average which stands at 3.5%.

Generally full employment is achieved when unemployment levels fall below 2%. This recognises the number of people who at any time are “between jobs”.

Even allowing for workers who are currently economically inactive (but not claiming JSA), it raises further questions about Labours Local Plan which aims to increase the number of job by 1000 a year (net).

The Local Plan hyper economic growth targets have been criticised as likely to lead to large scale inward migration into the City or unsustainable commuting levels.