25 bid for every job vacancy

BUILDERS, shop workers and drivers have been worst hit by the recession in Oldham, according to research published today.

Across the town 260 people claiming job seekers’ allowance (JSA) have told Jobcentre Plus they are seeking construction work but no vacancies are being advertised.

Only 17 jobs for shop workers were posted on Jobcentre Plus boards with 740 people wanting them and 155 drivers are fighting for every vacancy.

There are 98 administrative workers in competition for each position and chefs are also struggling e with only nine vacancies advertised for the 135 seeking employment.

The data shows how certain occupations are facing more competition for jobs than other areas.

On average, 25 people are fighting for every vacancy that arises in Oldham, the figures show.

Shadow work secretary Theresa May said: “These figures show the very real challenge of unemployment across Oldham today. Instead of providing real help now to jobseekers Labour have closed Jobcentres.

“Labour needs to relax the rules on Jobseeker’s Allowance to help people retrain immediately instead of having to wait up to six months as they do now.”

Nationally, the number of job-seekers chasing every vacancy has risen from two in October to seven in April. Job Centres hold on average a third of all vacancies. The April figures are a snapshot on one day in the month.

The research comes as Government will today publish the latest monthly JSA count and the number of vacancies at each Job Centre Plus. Figures for Oldham is expected to top the 7,000 mark for people claiming the out-of-work benefit.




New figures for 2008 published yesterday also showed the number of 16



to 18 year olds not in education, training or employment is rising with

more than one in 10 dubbed a NEET. No local breakdown is yet available.