TUC calls for job creation to be a priority

Jun 16 2010 by Phil Doherty, The Journal

THERE is only one vacancy for every six jobseekers in the region according to the latest official figures analysed by the Northern Trade Union Congress.

The body, which represents the UK’s trades union movement, also said the latest data shows a widening gap between the North East and the South of the UK when it comes to available jobs and those on the dole.

With 83,227 people claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA) in the region, but only 13,633 vacancies, this compares to around four to one in the South.

The City of London is the only local authority in Great Britain where the number of vacancies outnumbers the number of dole claimants. Figures for those claiming JSA and vacancies advertised in Jobcentre Plus’ were analysed by the TUC, which found that despite the recent economic recovery, the jobs market remains bleak.

It also found that the number of JSA claimants had increased in half of all local authority areas between April 2009 and April 2010. Yesterday one of those signing on at a job centre in Newcastle was Peter Haken, 43, of Shieldfield.

He has just signed on for Jobseekers Allowance after being made redundant as a electrician.

He said: “I’ve just signed on, which I haven’t done in years, so I have no real idea about the job situation at the moment. But being unemployed is a real worry, especially when I’m used to being in a full-time job.

“I have worked as a electrician for 20-odd years since I left college and I’m looking for electrical safety work. But after 13-weeks you have to be willing to take any job. I’m willing to do anything within reason as long as it gets me back into the workforce.

“Sitting in the job centre can be quite soul-destroying. In the past you could always find a job if you tried.

“But I’m not sure that is the case now. I would be willing to go where the jobs are as I have done this in the past and I’m quite willing to travel to London to get a job.”