DWP says claimants are counting up in York, Selby and Ridal

Wendy Mangan, Employer & Partnership Manager for York & North Yorkshire, said:

“An impressive 1,151 participants made the most of the opportunity. The event brought job seekers and employers together and created valuable connections that already led to interviews and potential recruitment.”

Wendy says the 50 employers who attended praised the event, which included the “energy” that was presented by the job seekers in attendance.

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JobSeekers also praised the scope of the employers present and the events for workshops and presentations at the fair.

Wendy continued: “I look forward to seeing the success of my work in the coming weeks.”

In the meantime, JobCentre in York has been working with employers to help Jobseekers acquire new skills, build confidence and secure jobs in the Sector-Based Work Academy Program (SWAP).

Wendy explains: “Swap is designed to help job seekers gain valuable practical experience with employers. Full training in industry-specific short training, often certified, and job interviews with SWAP employers are guaranteed.”

The planned swaps are:

*Cleaning swap with Calcaria Domestic Cleaning starting April 7th.

*Hospitality swap and CGC (working for York Racecourse and Lner Community Stadium) will begin on March 31st and will be streamed effectively.

* SIA Security Training will be exchanged with various security employers starting April 21st.

*Teaching assistant swaps with various employers, effectively distributed from April 14th.

*Hospitality has been replaced with a variety of hospitality employers for springboards and has been offered effectively since May 12th.

Wendy added:

“Many job seekers who completed the swap have secured full-time roles with key employers such as M&S and Premier Inn.

“While attending SWAP, JobCentre in York will pay travel or child care costs. Benefits will not be affected.

“Interested job seekers should consult with York Job Centre work coaches to learn more about current swap opportunities and referrals.”

The initiative denies the ongoing transition from “legacy benefits” to universal credit as the Work Pensions and Pension Bureau reports an increase in claims.

In February, York reported 2,650 claims, an increase of 325 or 14% last year. Numbers above 50 represent 580, an increase of 90 or 18% from a year ago.

Ryedale reported 715 claims last month, up 75 or 12% in February last year. About 215 people are over 50 years old, an increase of 20 or 10% a year ago.

Selby reported 1,270 claims last month, up 45% or 4% in February last year. Of those over 50, 320 of these accounted for a 15% or 5% increase a year ago.