THE number of people claiming Universal Credit has crept up slightly in Solihull over the last month.
Figures released by the Department and Work and Pensions (DWP) show an increase of 77 claimants to 15,729 on March 10, 2022 compared to 15,652 in February.
However over the year the unemployment rate is down 18,000 for the West Midlands and currently stands at 153,000.
Sana Khan, DWP employer and partnership manager for Birmingham and Solihull said: “Over the last year our job centres have stepped up to support local people and businesses affected by the pandemic.
“Through Plan for Jobs we’ve established additional temporary job centre in Birmingham Summerhill, Aston Newtown and Chelmsley Wood shopping centres, increasing its workforce with additional work coaches offering jobseekers individual tailored support.
“With record levels of vacancies across the country, it’s our top priority to work in lock step with employers and jobseeker to match the right job with the right person.
“We are also inviting business, especially in key industries such as construction, security and care into our job centres for jobseekers to have easier access.”
She added that there are currently 4,000 job vacancies in Birmingham alone.
For more details visit https://FINDAJOB.DWP.GOV.UK/.
Vacancies include jobs with airline Flybe which will have a brand-new HQ at Solihull’s Diamond House, creating 200 jobs in the region over its first three years.
There are also vacancies with the Commonwealth Games.
“Each job centre in Birmingham and Solihull are planning monthly activities to support the Games which include on site employer recruitment, talent pool registration ‘Standout’ Project activity, Games / Sector related Workshops and much more,” said Sana.
“For those people looking for a Civil Service career the www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk is a must.
“This website can be set up and personalised to send you ‘specified’ notifications of jobs as and when they are advertised with accompanying hints and tips on how to support a successful application.”
