Harrogate jobs update: Recruitment levels 'remain strong' as town bids to buck unemployment trends
Harrogate Jobcentre says it is working closely with employers to fill vacancies as the number of jobseekers creeps up in the area as part of a developing nationwide trend.
The latest figures for Yorkshire and the Humber from the Department for Work and Pensions show a total of 172,000 people are unemployed – up 18,000 on the quarter and up 61,000 on the year.
The unemployment rate for the region is 6.0% - up 0.5%pts on the quarter and up 1.9%pts on the year.
There have also been increases in the claimant count in the Harrogate area.
An 11% rise in 18 to 24 year olds and a six per cent rise in 50-plusers equates to a nine per cent rise in all ages, albeit these involve relatively small numbers of people.
Harrogate Jobcentre said the area continues to show strong employer confidence, with businesses across the district actively recruiting and offering a diverse range of opportunities for local jobseekers.
Michael Dales, DWP Partnership Manager for North Yorkshire, said: "Harrogate has a vibrant and diverse economy.
"Employers across hospitality, tourism, retail, health and social care, logistics and business services are working closely with Harrogate Jobcentre to bring fresh talent into their organisations.
"These strong partnerships are helping jobseekers make progress and enabling businesses to grow with confidence.”
Across the Harrogate district, employers are currently recruiting for a wide range of roles, with 182 vacancies available on Find a Job, reflecting the continued strength of Harrogate’s local labour market.
Harrogate Jobcentre says it has been highlighting work experience opportunities for young people with well-established local organisations, including Harrogate Town Football Club and RHS Harlow Carr.
Alongside this, Harrogate Jobcentre has delivered Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) for roles in the Civil Service and Teaching Assistant positions
Michael Dales said: “Our jobcentres are continuing to develop innovative partnerships while delivering hands-on support.
"To any employer with vacancies, our message is simple: get in touch.
"Jobcentre teams can help you find the right people quickly and effectively and we’re ready to work with businesses of all sizes to build a strong local workforce.”