The number of people looking for work has dropped in Bath.
Government figures have shown the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in the city has dropped by 12.1 per cent to 1,296 in the past year.
This reduction is higher than the national figure, which dropped by just 4.8 per cent to 1,538,576. In North East Somerset the figure was cut by 11.6 per cent to 907.
However, the number of people who have claimed Jobseekers Allowance for more than 12 months has risen to 345 - up 19 per cent from last year.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said, "This set of numbers are extremely impressive given the reduction is way above the national figure. Bath and North East Somerset Council is working extremely hard alongside companies in the private sector and also education establishments, like our Colleges and Universities, to give people the support they need in order to make the best of the opportunities in the local jobs market."
The council has supported a number of initiatives in the city to boost employment including the recent Get Hired apprentice speed dating event, business start-up workshops and one-to-one clinics and securing targeted employment and training (TET) outcomes on the Crest Nicholson Bath Western Riverside development. The authority also has 26 apprentices.
Councillor Ben Stevens (Lib-Dem, Widcombe), cabinet member for sustainable development, said: "The council is making excellent progress towards creating the right business conditions for jobs growth. For example, the delivery of the Bath Transport Package is providing the infrastructure for companies to get their employees, clients, and suppliers into the city quickly and conveniently. We are also investing heavily in high speed broadband.
"We are progressing the Bath City Riverside Enterprise Area in line with our plans for new workspace, which will provide the locations for thousands of new private sector jobs in the future."
During the first half of 2013 the district has seen a record number of new company registrations with 466 new companies formed during this period - a 14.4 per cent increase on last year's figures.
Councillor David Bellotti (Lib-Dem, Lyncombe), cabinet member for community resources, added: "We know that business is strong in Bath because of the demand for our commercial estate from shops, bars, and restaurants. With 96 per cent of premises under contract, this represents a void rate way below the national average.
"The Council's new procurement policy for the £190 million it spends every year on goods and services is now focused on 'Think Local' and this is directing the council spend more and more to local companies ensuring more jobs for local residents."
↧