The number of people out of work in the East Midlands is still dropping according to new figures.
The Department for Work and Pensions said the number of people registered as unemployed across the region was 84,000 – down 20,000 on the previous quarter and down 59,000 on a year ago.
The DWP said the unemployment rate was at 3.5 per cent, lower than the UK average of 4.1 per cent and a near record low for the region, since comparable records began.
Latest ONS figures also suggested there was no sign of a jobs hit from the Omicron variant of coronavirus sweeping the UK, with a record rise in payrolled workers.
The number of workers nationally jumped by 184,000 month-on-month, or 0.6 per cent in December, to 29.5 million.
The ONS said the number of people employed is now 409,000 above the levels seen before Covid.
The national unemployment rate for the three months to November fell back almost to where it was before Covid, to 4.1 per cent from 4.2 per cent in the previous quarter and close to the 4 per cent level seen in the last pre-pandemic quarter.
Closer to home, the number of people on benefits and fit for work in the Leicester City Council area almost 5,000 in a year at 13,200.
Julie Pritchard, DWP partnership manager for Leicestershire, said they were working closely with businesses to find staff to fill roles as the economy grows.
She said: “The new year has focussed our attention on recruiting for the key industries where the workforce has been depleted by the pandemic.
“Working in partnership with local employers in the NHS, and with care home providers for older and disabled clients, has given us the push to target their needs by tailoring our recruitment and support practises – whether that’s through the Kickstart scheme, via the local Youth Hub or directly at the jobcentre.
“A new temporary jobcentre is up and running, and the extra work coaches are offering jobseekers with individual support.
“I’d encourage jobseekers to visit Find a Job and locate local vacancies.”
Ms Pritchard said Jobcentre Plus was also offering extra support to former military personnel looking for work.
She said current job and training opportunities included:
- Used vehicle specialist Cox Automotive, at Bruntingthorpe Airfield, which is running traineeships in March which can lead on to apprenticeships. There are roles in admin, driving and warehouse and there will be transport to and from Leicester
- National HGV training school Hughes Driver Training and Data Academy are backing a work academy for people to gain either a Category C or C+E HGV Licence. There are 10 places available for each licence, and on completion participants will have a guaranteed job interview with Bakers Waste, Central England Co Operative, Samworth Brothers Distribution, Translink Express Logistics and Leicestershire County Council.
- Melton Mowbray’s Jobcentre is expanding its rolling Construction Skills Certification Scheme academy programme with training provided by Tempus training followed by a guaranteed interview with the National Construction Recruitment Agency for the area.
- Melton Mowbray Jobcentre is hosting a Kickstart job fair on Wednesday, February 16, to help fill the final remaining Kickstart placements ready for the end of the program on March 22. The event will be delivered at the town council offices and is aimed at 16-24 year olds.
- Prezzo Italian Restaurant in Hinckley is looking for chefs and kitchen assistants. Hinckley Jobcentre said the company offers above national minimum wage plus incentives and bonuses which include a free meal while working and 50 per cent off at other Prezzo sites.
