Youngsters are finding new jobs

MORE 18 to 24-year-olds in Oldham are now in employment compared with last year, figures show.

The borough saw a five per cent reduction (65 people) in the number of people out of work in the age bracket. Across Oldham, there was a rise of 135 Universal Credit or Jobseekers Allowance claimants from last year, bringing the total to 4,420.

But the Department of Work and Pensions has argued the rise is because Universal Credit claims were previously recorded separately.

Vivien Robinson, DWP partnership manager for Oldham, said: “This is good news for Oldham.

“The numbers may not seem like a lot but all the time they are heading in the right direction. Hopefully this will continue with more apprenticeships and opportunities for young people in Oldham.”