Unemployment figures fall in North Kirklees

The Office for National Statistics revealed a drop in the number of people receiving Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) in our area last month.

There were 2,050 dole claimants in Batley and Spen in August, down from 3,134 the previous year.

In Dewsbury the number of people claiming benefits fell by 898 to 1,929.

Ann Sykes, JobCentre employer and partnership manager for Calderdale and Kirklees, said she expects the trend to continue.

She said: “It is the time of year when a lot of jobs come into the market.

“September is Feeding Britain’s Future month and it sees a lot of food retailers and the drink industry supplying different types of experiences for young people.

“Fox’s Biscuits, Tesco and Sainsbury’s are asking young people to go along to their stores to experience what it is like to work for them.”

One noticeable change Mrs Sykes identified was retailers are now advertising for temporary staff for Christmas.

“Traditionally lots of the retailers like Argos and Boots employ a lot of staff for Christmas,” she said.

“We are expecting there to be lots of opportunities at Junction 27 in Birstall.”

Nationally the jobless total was 2.02 million in the quarter to July, down by 146,000 on February to April, giving a lower-than-expected unemployment rate of 6.2 per cent.